Rules of Play - Darkondarkon.org/rulebooks/DarkonRulebook-July2016.pdf · Arms and Armor ... The...

RulesofPlayJuly2016

DarkonWargamingClub,Inc.

DISCLAIMERThisrulebookisintendedforusageinconjunctionwitheventshostedbytheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.(www.darkon.org).IndividualsseekingtoformaDarkonChaptershouldcontacttheDarkonPresidentatpresident@darkon.org.Copyright©1985-2016DarkonWargamingClub,Inc.Darkon®isaregisteredmarkoftheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.AllRightsReserved.

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Acknowledgements TheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.wishestoacknowledgethefollowingmemberswhocreatedthisgameandmadeitpossibleforallofustoenjoy.DaveDonnelly,MartinDonnelly,FrankHenry,RobertKusik,DavidKusik,RobIvester,ChrisLangmead,SteveLangmead,PaulKellerman,KenRice,andJamesSpenceDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.‘RulesofPlay’arebasedontheoriginalEmarthnguarthOutdoorWargamingSystem,developedbyFrankJ.RosoJr.AspecialthankstoalltheveteransandnewmemberswhocontinuetomakeDarkonamorefunandexcitingRealmthroughouttheyears.TheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.reservestherighttorefusemembershiptoanyindividual.Darkonisafull-contactrecreationofmedieval/fantasy-stylecombatforsport.TheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.isnotresponsibleforanyinjuriestoparticipants/membersattendinganygameevents.Asinanysport,itistheparticipants/membersresponsibilitytotakeallprecautionstoavoidinjuries,suchaswearingprotectivegear,building&maintainingsafeweaponsusedforcombat,andabidingbyalltherulesofthegame.

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Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................................................................................2DarkonRulebookPreface...........................................................................................................................................................9IntentoftheRules..........................................................................................................................................................................................9

ChapterOne...................................................................................................................................................................................10WelcometoDarkon!...................................................................................................................................................................................10ChapterAgreement.....................................................................................................................................................................................10TheClub..........................................................................................................................................................................................................10TheRules........................................................................................................................................................................................................10CoreRules.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................10RealmRules.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

TheGame........................................................................................................................................................................................................10TheWorld.......................................................................................................................................................................................................10TheRealm.......................................................................................................................................................................................................10Participants....................................................................................................................................................................................................11Organization..................................................................................................................................................................................................11Government.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................11Elders......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11Marshals................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11ArmorMarshal.............................................................................................................................................................................................................12CoinMarshal..................................................................................................................................................................................................................12CostumeMarshal.........................................................................................................................................................................................................12LandMarshal.................................................................................................................................................................................................................12PoisonMarshal.............................................................................................................................................................................................................13Potions&ScrollsMarshal........................................................................................................................................................................................13RelicsMarshal...............................................................................................................................................................................................................13SpellMarshal.................................................................................................................................................................................................................13WeaponMarshal..........................................................................................................................................................................................................13

NewParticipant............................................................................................................................................................................................14TypesofEvents...............................................................................................................................................................................................14TeamBattles........................................................................................................................................................................................................................14Adventures...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................14CountryBattles...................................................................................................................................................................................................................14AllianceBattles...................................................................................................................................................................................................................14LandEvents.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................14ResurrectionBattle..........................................................................................................................................................................................................14CaravanBattle....................................................................................................................................................................................................................15CardboardShieldBattles...............................................................................................................................................................................................15Armorless,ClasslessShieldlessBattles...................................................................................................................................................................15IceBreakerBattle..............................................................................................................................................................................................................15ChaosBattles.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................15BridgeBattles......................................................................................................................................................................................................................15Tournaments.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................15SiegeBattles.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15ShipBattles..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15Bizarro...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Check-In..........................................................................................................................................................................................................16ChapterTwo...................................................................................................................................................................................17CharactersandCountries..........................................................................................................................................................................17Characters......................................................................................................................................................................................................17Alignment.......................................................................................................................................................................................................17CharacterAdvancement............................................................................................................................................................................17Ranks................................................................................................................................................................................................................17CreditTransfers...........................................................................................................................................................................................18Countries.........................................................................................................................................................................................................18Costumes.........................................................................................................................................................................................................18HeraldryandLivery....................................................................................................................................................................................19Banners...........................................................................................................................................................................................................19DefunctCountries........................................................................................................................................................................................19

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Nomads............................................................................................................................................................................................................19ChapterThree...............................................................................................................................................................................20ArmsandArmor...........................................................................................................................................................................................20Weapons..........................................................................................................................................................................................................20

LongSwordorShortSword(Whiteweapon).................................................................................................................................................20HandAxe(Whiteweapon)......................................................................................................................................................................................20Club(Yellowweapon)...............................................................................................................................................................................................20Bar(Yellowweapon).................................................................................................................................................................................................20Mace(Yellowweapon)..............................................................................................................................................................................................20Hammer(Yellowweapon)......................................................................................................................................................................................20FlailandMorningStar(Yellowweapon)..........................................................................................................................................................21Quarterstaff(Yellowweapon)...............................................................................................................................................................................21Dagger(Redweapon)................................................................................................................................................................................................21Spear(Redweapon)...................................................................................................................................................................................................21Javelin(Red,missileweapon)................................................................................................................................................................................21BowandArrows(Red,missileweapons).........................................................................................................................................................21CrossbowandBolts(Red,missileweapons)...................................................................................................................................................22GreatSword(Blackweapon).................................................................................................................................................................................22Battle-Axe(Blackweapon)......................................................................................................................................................................................22WhiteGlaive(Whiteweapon)................................................................................................................................................................................22BlackGlaive(Blackweapon)..................................................................................................................................................................................22

Shields..............................................................................................................................................................................................................22Armor...............................................................................................................................................................................................................23ArmorRequirements.......................................................................................................................................................................................................23ArmorClasses.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................24ArmorClass0................................................................................................................................................................................................................24ArmorClass1................................................................................................................................................................................................................24ArmorClass2................................................................................................................................................................................................................24ArmorClass3................................................................................................................................................................................................................24ArmorClass4................................................................................................................................................................................................................25

ChapterFour..................................................................................................................................................................................26Combat.............................................................................................................................................................................................................26LegalHits........................................................................................................................................................................................................26HitZones.........................................................................................................................................................................................................26WeaponTypes...............................................................................................................................................................................................27MeleeWeapon....................................................................................................................................................................................................................27MissileWeapons................................................................................................................................................................................................................27SiegeWeapons....................................................................................................................................................................................................................28

WeaponTypesvs.Armor..........................................................................................................................................................................28Wounds............................................................................................................................................................................................................29LightWounds......................................................................................................................................................................................................................29MortalWounds...................................................................................................................................................................................................................29Death.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................29

Hades................................................................................................................................................................................................................30SpecialCombatRules....................................................................................................................................................................................31Holds.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31FightingatNight................................................................................................................................................................................................................31Non-WeaponTactics........................................................................................................................................................................................................31Captives.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31Fortifications.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................32

ChapterFive...................................................................................................................................................................................33TypesofCharacters........................................................................................................................................................................................33Fighters..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33Rangers...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33Clerics......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................34Druids.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35Mages......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36Thieves...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36

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Assassins...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................39Monks.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................39Cavaliers................................................................................................................................................................................................................................40WarriorMage......................................................................................................................................................................................................................41Barbarian..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................41

Non-ParticipantCharacters......................................................................................................................................................................42ChapterSix.....................................................................................................................................................................................43SpellsandMagic.............................................................................................................................................................................................43SpellBooks...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................43SpellReductions..................................................................................................................................................................................................................43CastingaSpell.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................43MaterialComponents......................................................................................................................................................................................................44Favors...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................44SpellBalls........................................................................................................................................................................................................................44

SpellCharacteristics.........................................................................................................................................................................................................45SpellDescriptions........................................................................................................................................................................................46AnimateDead3....................................................................................................................................................................................................................46Barkskin2,3...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................46BurningHands3..................................................................................................................................................................................................................46ChargeItem..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................47CommunewithNature....................................................................................................................................................................................................47ComprehendLanguages3...............................................................................................................................................................................................47Consecrate/Desecrate3...................................................................................................................................................................................................47Create/DestroyHolyWeapon.....................................................................................................................................................................................48Create/DestroyMagicWeapon...................................................................................................................................................................................48CureDisease........................................................................................................................................................................................................................49CureLightWounds...........................................................................................................................................................................................................49CureMortalWounds........................................................................................................................................................................................................49CureSeriousWounds......................................................................................................................................................................................................49Curse1....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................50DetectMagic........................................................................................................................................................................................................................50DetectTraps........................................................................................................................................................................................................................50DispelMagic1......................................................................................................................................................................................................................51Entangle1,3............................................................................................................................................................................................................................51FeebleMind1,3.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................51FeignDeath..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................51Fireball1,3..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................52FrostSpike1,3.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................52GaseousForm3....................................................................................................................................................................................................................52Growth3..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................53HoldPortal3.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................53IceStorm1,3..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................53LastRites...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................54LegendLore.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................54Light3.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................54LightningBolt1,3.................................................................................................................................................................................................................55MagicalStone2,3.................................................................................................................................................................................................................55MagicMissile1.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................55MagicShield2,3....................................................................................................................................................................................................................55Mending.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................56NatureLove1,3.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................56NeutralizePoison2,3..........................................................................................................................................................................................................56Passwall3...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................57PersonalMagicWeapon2,3............................................................................................................................................................................................57Pouch2,3.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................57PrayerTouch2,3..................................................................................................................................................................................................................58ProtectionfromFire2,3....................................................................................................................................................................................................58ProtectionfromIce2,3.....................................................................................................................................................................................................59ProtectionfromLightning2,3........................................................................................................................................................................................59

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PurifyFoodandDrink.....................................................................................................................................................................................................60ReleasePortal.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................60Resurrection........................................................................................................................................................................................................................60Sanctuary3............................................................................................................................................................................................................................60SpeakwithDead3..............................................................................................................................................................................................................60SpellofShielding2,3..........................................................................................................................................................................................................61Steelskin2,3...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................61Stoneskin2,3..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................62TruthSpeak3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................62TurnUndead1,3...................................................................................................................................................................................................................62WarpWood1,3.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................62WordofHolding1,3............................................................................................................................................................................................................63

ChapterSeven................................................................................................................................................................................64SpecialItems...................................................................................................................................................................................................64

Coins.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................64Poison......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................64PotionsandScrolls.............................................................................................................................................................................................................65SilverWeapons...................................................................................................................................................................................................................66Relics.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................66TheSwordofSlaying.................................................................................................................................................................................................67DaggerofVenom.........................................................................................................................................................................................................67JavelinofLightning.....................................................................................................................................................................................................67TheArrowofPiercing...............................................................................................................................................................................................67StaffofHealing..............................................................................................................................................................................................................67WandofGartan............................................................................................................................................................................................................68TheBroochofShielding............................................................................................................................................................................................68Maelstrom.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................68TheMaceofDisruption.............................................................................................................................................................................................68BracersofDefense......................................................................................................................................................................................................68TheShieldofDeflection............................................................................................................................................................................................68Ravenswrath..................................................................................................................................................................................................................69

AdventureSpecificItems...........................................................................................................................................................................69ChapterEight.................................................................................................................................................................................70Knights,NoblesandTitlesintheRealmofDarkon..........................................................................................................................70TheHighKing......................................................................................................................................................................................................................70BecomingaKnightoftheRealm.................................................................................................................................................................................70NobleTitles..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................70OtherTitles..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................71KnightsRetinue..................................................................................................................................................................................................................71CrownWar...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................71HighKing’sChoice............................................................................................................................................................................................................72

ChapterNine..................................................................................................................................................................................73LandRules......................................................................................................................................................................................................73NewCountries....................................................................................................................................................................................................................73CountryLeaders................................................................................................................................................................................................................73Senators.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................73LandMarshalLiaisons....................................................................................................................................................................................................73RevenueandFunds..........................................................................................................................................................................................................74Structures,Resources,andIncome...........................................................................................................................................................................74GainingAssets.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Caravel.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Frigate..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................75ManO'War.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Tower...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Keep...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Castle.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Village...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................75Town.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75

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City.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................75CollectionofCountryIncome.......................................................................................................................................................................................76CreationofArmies............................................................................................................................................................................................................76LandActions........................................................................................................................................................................................................................76

TransfersandRelocationsofAssets......................................................................................................................................................76TransferofAssets.............................................................................................................................................................................................................76RelocationofAssets.........................................................................................................................................................................................................77Land&SeaMovement.....................................................................................................................................................................................................77MovementChart..........................................................................................................................................................................................................77

AcquiringLand...................................................................................................................................................................................................................78LandSearches.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................78Invasions...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................79Multi-countryInvasions.................................................................................................................................................................................................79InvadingAfteraFailedLandSearch.........................................................................................................................................................................80InvadingtheHexesofAnothercountry...................................................................................................................................................................80Sieges......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................80Tower...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................80Keep...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................80Castle................................................................................................................................................................................................................................80

ShipsandSeaBattles....................................................................................................................................................................................81ShipBattles..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................81Caravel.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................81Frigate..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................81ManO'War.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................81

Blockades..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................82AmphibiousInvasions.....................................................................................................................................................................................................82

Equipment,SpellCasting,&LandEvents..................................................................................................................................................82Administration..............................................................................................................................................................................................83TheRealmMap...................................................................................................................................................................................................................83Declarations.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................83RoyalCityofTarimstadt.................................................................................................................................................................................................83RoyalCoffers.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................83AttackingtheRoyalCity.................................................................................................................................................................................................83

RandomRollCharts....................................................................................................................................................................................84EncounterChanceChart.................................................................................................................................................................................................84HumanEncounterChart................................................................................................................................................................................................84HumanoidEncounterChart..........................................................................................................................................................................................85UndeadEncounterChart................................................................................................................................................................................................85GiantEncounterChart.....................................................................................................................................................................................................86DragonEncounterChart................................................................................................................................................................................................86FortificationEncounterChart......................................................................................................................................................................................87MinesandRuinsChart....................................................................................................................................................................................................87

AppendixA–Bylaws...................................................................................................................................................................89ArticleI–Name,Purpose..........................................................................................................................................................................89ArticleII–MembersandParticipants..................................................................................................................................................89ArticleIII–BoardofDirectors................................................................................................................................................................89ArticleIV:TheSenate.................................................................................................................................................................................93ArticleV:NobleCouncil.............................................................................................................................................................................94ArticleVI:Awards........................................................................................................................................................................................95ArticleVII:Meetings....................................................................................................................................................................................96ArticleVIII:UseofTechnology................................................................................................................................................................96ArticleIX:IntentionallyLeftBlankforFutureProposal................................................................................................................97ArticleX:Amendments..............................................................................................................................................................................97

CurrentPlaytests..........................................................................................................................................................................98ShieldEdging.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................98Necromancer.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................98Bard.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................99

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Darkon Rulebook Preface

IntentoftheRulesYoucantrytoprovidearuleforeverysituationthatmayarise,butyoucannevercovereverycontingencythatmaycomeupinthecourseofthegame.Clubmembersmustunderstandthattheintentbehindtherulesistoguideus.Deliberatelytakingadvantageofgrayareasintherules,loopholes,orinterpretingtherulesthewayyouthinktheyshouldbeforpersonaland/orcharactergainisworsethanbreakingtherules.Itisdestructivetotheentireclubasawhole.ThegamereliesontheHonorSystem,andthateveryparticipantabidebyit.IfyoudonothavetheintegritytoabidebytheHonorSystemthenyoushouldnotbeplayinginthisgame.Disregardfortherulestakesawayfromthespiritofthegame,aswellasthemajorityoftheparticipants'enjoymentandfun.This,aboveall,cannotbetoleratedandwillnotbeacceptedbytheclub.

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Chapter One

WelcometoDarkon!Darkonisaliveaction,role-playinggame,alsoknownasaLARP,featuringfull-contact,medievalstylecombatwithfoam-paddedweapons.Darkonhostsregularlyscheduledevents,includingdaybattles,tournaments,campouts,andfeasts.ToparticipateinDarkon,participantscreatecharacterpersonas,whichtheyrole-playduringevents.Darkonoffersawidevarietyofcharactertypes,aswellasathoroughandwell-regulatedrulesystemforlive,real-timecombat.Throughrole-playinghischaracter,aparticipantadoptstheroleofhischaracter,guidinghimthroughlifeintheRealmofDarkon.Participantwillbeguidedthroughvariousadventurescenariosinwhichtheywillmakedecisions,interactwithothercharacters,participateinbattle,andtesttheskillsgrantedtothembyvirtueoftheirprofession.Participantsaresaidtobe‘IC,’orin-character,duringthetimethattheyarerole-playingtheircharacters,forexample,actorsinamovie.Participantaresaidtobe‘OOC,’orout-of-character,whentheyareparticipatingintheirmundanelives,suchaschattingintheparkinglotbeforeevents.Thesetwostatesofbeingmustremainseparateintheparticipant’smind,andtheparticipantmustrefrainfromusingknowledgethatisgainedOOCforICpurposes.ThisisanimportantdistinctiontomakeandisafundamentalconceptfortheenjoymentofDarkon.

ChapterAgreementThisisthecontractbetweenDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andanotherclubthatwishestobepartoftheDarkongamingsystemandworld.AnytimethereisacontradictionbetweentherulesinthismanualandtheChapterAgreement,theagreementalwaystakesprecedentandsupersedestherulesofplay.

TheClubTheclubistherealworldorganizationthatmanagesthegame.Itconsistsofthemembership,asdefinedbytheclubsbylaws,andisgovernedandmanagedinaccordancewiththeclubsbylaws.Thegamesystemisdesignedsothatmanyclubscanco-existandinteractwitheachotherinthefantasyworldcreatedbythegame.Eachclubisindependentofeachotherbutallfollowthesamecorerules.EachclubhassignedaChapterContractwithDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.agreeingtoplaybythecorerules.

TheRules

CoreRulesCorerulesmakeupthebulkofthisbook.Theyarestaticandsodonotchangefromclubtoclub.Asofthispublication,onlyDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.hastheauthoritytochangeanyofthecorerules.

RealmRulesRealmrulesarethoserulesthatareusedlocallybytheclub.Theclubmaychangetheserulesastheyseefit.

TheGameThegameistheresultoffollowingtheserules.Inthegameisafantasyworldinwhichexists“realms”.Inthisfantasyworldismagic,war,people(thecharacters),professions,mythicalmonstersandintrigue.Thegameshouldneverbeconfusedwiththerealworldandactivitiesinthegamearefantasyandshouldnotberelatedintotherealworld.

TheWorldTheworldisknownasDarkon.Darkonisafantasyworldthatiscreatedwhentherulesofthisgamingsystemareineffect.

TheRealm

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“TheRealm”isthesectionoftheworldyourcharacterlivesandisthein-gameidentityoftheclub.ForexampletheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.hasthein-gameidentityofthe“RealmofDarkon”.

ParticipantsAparticipantisapersonthathasjoinedaclubthatutilizesthisgamingsystem.Thispersonshouldnotbeconfusedwiththecharactertheyportrayinthegame.Playersmayonlybelongtoandgetcreditwithoneclubatatime(specialarrangementscanbemadewhenvisitingotherchapters).Whentheterm“member-in-good-standing”isuseditmeansaplayerthathaspaidtheirduesandisnotcurrentlysuspendedfromgameplay.Allparticipantsmustsignawaiver;anyparticipantunder18yearsofage,ifpermittedtoparticipatebytheclubsbylaws,musthaveawaiverformsignedbyaparentorguardian.Membershipisgrantedtonewparticipantsforlife,butmayberevokedordeniedatthediscretionoftheClub.Uponjoining,participantsmayimmediatelybeginattendingDarkonevents.Participantswhohaveattended5eventsorlesswillberequiredtoattendaNewParticipantSpeech.ThespeechincludesareviewofbasicDarkonrules,thedutiesofElders,andsafety.Thisisavaluabletimefornewparticipantstoaskveteransofthegamequestionsconcerningrules,weapons,armor,etc.Forthesafetyofallparticipants,newmemberswillhaveseveralrestrictionsuntiltheygainsufficientexperience.Newparticipantsmaynotweararmororuseanytwo-handedweapons(orswinganyweaponwithtwohands)untiltheyhaveattendedatleastfiveevents.Thisincludesglaives,blackswords,polearms,quarterstaffs,etc.Additionally,newparticipantsmaynotuseanymissileweaponsincludingbows,crossbows,andjavelins,untiltheyhaveattendedtenevents.NewparticipantsmustalsoregisterasUndeclareduntiltheyhaveattendedfiveevents,atwhichtimetheymayconvertanycreditsgainedatthatpointintothecharactertypeoftheirchoice.ParticipantsmaymovetoanotherregionandjoinanotherDarkonchapter.Theplayermaythentransferallcharacterswithfullcreditsandawardstothenewclubasprovidedinthechapteragreement.

Organization

GovernmentThethreebodiesofgovernmentinDarkonconsistoftheBoardofDirectors(Board),theSenate,andtheNobleCouncil(Council).

EldersEldersareresponsibleforrunningalleventssmoothlyandactasthe‘referees’forcombat.EachElderisrequiredtowearaplainwhitetabardwiththeword‘Elder’printedonthefront.AnydecisionmadebyanElderonthebattlefieldregardingtheday’seventorcombatmustbelistenedtoandfollowed;anydisputesshouldbebroughttotheMagistrate.TherearenopermanentEldersinDarkon;theywillvaryateveryevent.Elderswilllevypenaltiesforinfractionsoftherulessuchas,butnotlimitedto,ignoringthesafetyofothers,actingoutofcharacter,refusingtotakelegalhits,andcircumventingtherules.PenaltiescanincludeextratimeinHadesandwithdrawaloffightingprivilegesfortherestoftheevent.Participantwhoarepersistentlydangerousand/orfrequentlybreakruleswillfindthemselvessuspendedorexpelledfromfutureparticipationinthegame.Anyparticipantwhohasattendedatleast20eventsandhasbeenapprovedbytheMagistratemayserveasanElder.EverycountrymustofferatleastonemembertoactasanElderateachevent.ItisthedutyofallveteranparticipantstoserveasanElderperiodically.TheMagistrateorEventEldermayenforcetheoneElderpercountryruleifhedeemsitnecessary.EverycountryWILLofferoneEldereachevent.ReporttotheMagistrateorEventElder.Elderswillenforcetherules,evencallingpeoplesshots,asmandatedbytherulebook.AnyonearguingwithanElderwillbesatdownorsenthomedependentontheseverityasdeterminedbytheElders.

Marshals

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MarshalsareDarkonvolunteersselectedbytheBoardandortheCounciltohelpwiththeadministrativedutiesoftheClub.Whileitisrecommendedthatyouareaveteranofatleastayearbeforevolunteeringforaposition,thereisalmostalwaysaneedfornewMarshalsanditprovidesinvaluableexperienceforparticipantsdesiringtolearnmoreabouthowDarkonworks,aswellasanopportunitytoservethegame.TherewilloftenbemorethanoneMarshalforaspecificposition;inthiscasetherewillbeone‘HeadMarshal’andseveral‘AssistantMarshals.’WhileallMarshalsareexpectedtosetanexamplefortheRealm,HeadMarshalsspecificallywillbeexpectedtomakethemselvesavailabletoanswerquestions,provideassistance,anddemonstrateleadershipwithintheirMarshalingposition.Marshalsresponsibleforcheckingtheequipmentofparticipantsarealsoexpectedtoprovideanexplanationwhenfailingaparticipant’sgearandguidanceonhowtocorrecttheprobleminthefuture.Marshalsarealsoexpectedtoremainimpartialwithregardstotheirpositionandshouldrefrainfromcheckingtheequipmentoftheircountrymen.Specificmarshalpositionsandtheirdutiesarelistedbelow:ArmorMarshalTheArmorMarshalisresponsibleforcheckingofeachpieceofarmorintendedforuseonincombatwithspecificattentiontosafetyandcompliancewitharmorspecificationsasdescribedintherulebook.Anypieceofarmorthatdoesnotmeettheproperrequirements,orisdeemedunsafebytheArmorMarshal,maynotbeusedonthefieldforthatday’sevent.ThedutiesoftheArmorMarshal(s)are:

• Inspectingarmorintendedforuseonthefieldforcompliancewiththespecificationsasdescribedintherulebook.• Inspectingarmorintendedforuseonthefieldforsafetyissues.

CoinMarshalTheCoinMarshalisresponsibleformaintainingcountrymonetaryaccountsandprovidingphysicalcoinforuse.ThedutiesoftheCoinMarshal(s)are:

• WorkingwiththeLandMarshaltomaintaincountrymonetaryaccounts• Transportingandmakingavailablephysicalcoinforin-playuse• ProvidingcountryLiaisonswithreportsonthecountry’saccountstatus,includingincomeandwithdrawals• ReportingtotheBoardwhencoinstoresarelowsonewcoincanbepurchased

CostumeMarshalTheCostumeMarshalisresponsibleforensuringthatparticipant’scostumingadherestotherulesofDarkon.TheCostumeMarshalwillinspectthecostumingofallparticipantsastheycheck-in,andElderswillenforcethecostumingrulesduringgame-play.Ifatanytimeaparticipantisfoundtobenotinappropriategarb,theywillberequiredtoplaywithonlyasinglehandedsword/club/bar;iftheyarealreadyparticipating,theywillbemadetofightwithasinglehandedsword/bar/clubuntilsuchtimeastheyhaveonappropriatecostuming.TheCostumeMarshalstillhastherightatalltimestodenyparticipationintheday’seventtoanyparticipantwhosecostumeisdeemedinappropriateifitisdeemednecessary.ThedutiesoftheCostumeMarshal(s)are:

• EnsuringparticipantcostumesadheretoDarkonrules• Ensuringparticipantshavetheproperclassspecificationitems(i.e.blackclothforAssassins)• RecordingsurcoatsandbannersfordocumentationofvalidcountryStatus

LandMarshalTheLandMarshalisresponsibleforrunningDarkonlandevents,perChapterNine:LandRules,andmaintainingcountryassets.ThedutiesoftheLandMarshal(s)are:

• MaintainingtheDarkonRealmMap

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• TrackingandreportingofallcountryassetstocountryLiaisons• Receivingdeclarationsforcountrylandactions• SecuringEldersandrunningcountrylandactionsatevents• Adhoc,onthefieldinterpretationsofgrayareasintheLandRules• ProvidingcountryLiaisonswithinformationpertainingtocountryholdings,landactions,etc.• AppointingandoverseeingtheCoinMarshal(s)• OtherdutiesasdescribedinChapterNine:LandRules

PoisonMarshalThePoisonMarshalisresponsibleforrecordingthecreationofpoisonbyThievesandAssassinsoftheRealm.ThedutiesofthePoisonMarshal(s)are:

• Maintainingalogofpoisoncreated• CollectingtheproperamountofcoinforthepoisoncreatedandreturningittotheCoinMarshal• Signingoffonanycompletepoisonsreadyforuse

Potions&ScrollsMarshalThePotionsandScrollsMarshalisresponsibleforrecordingthecreationofpotionsandscrollsbyspellcastersoftheRealm.ThedutiesofthePotionsandScrollsMarshal(s)are:

• Maintainingalogofpotionsandscrollscreated• Collectingtheproperamountofcoinforthepotionand/orscrollcreatedandreturningittotheCoinMarshal• Ensuringthatcasterscreatingpotionsandscrollsdeducttheproperamountofcoinfromtheirtalliesasappropriate• Signingoffonanycompletepotionsandscrollsreadyforuse

RelicsMarshalTheRelicsMarshalisresponsibleformaintainingandtransportingDarkonRelicstoevents.ThedutiesoftheRelicsMarshal(s)are:

• MaintainingDarkonRelics,ensuringtheyarebothinworkingorderanduptocurrentDarkonspecifications.• TransportingDarkonRelicstoevents.• MaintainingalogofpossessionofeachRelicattheendoftheday’sactivities.

SpellMarshalTheSpellMarshalisresponsibleforensuringthesafetyandadherencetospecificationsofDarkonspellcomponentsandbooksbyinspectingthespellbooksandspellcomponentsofthoseparticipantswiththeabilitytocastspells.Ifaparticipantdoesnothavethepropercomponentsordoesnothavethespellwrittenproperlyintheirspellbook,hemaynotcastthatspellduringthatevent.ThedutiesoftheSpellMarshal(s)are:

• ThoroughcheckingofeachDarkonspellcomponentintendedforuseonthefieldwithspecificattentionto:• Safetyandspellcomponentspecificationsasdescribedintherulebook• Ensuringthatspellsofcasters(scrolls,books,etc.)arewrittentothepropersyllablelength

WeaponMarshalTheWeaponMarshalisresponsibleforensuringthesafetyandadherencetospecificationsofDarkonweaponryandshields.Anyweaponthatdoesnotmeetitspropersizerequirements,orisdeemedunsafebyaWeaponMarshal,maynotbeusedonthefieldforthatevent.ThedutiesoftheWeaponMarshal(s)areasfollows:

• ThoroughcheckingofeachDarkonweaponandshieldintendedforuseonthefieldwithspecificattentiontosafetyandweaponspecificationsasdescribedintherulebook.

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NewParticipantAparticipantmustbeatleast16yearsoldtoparticipateinDarkon.Allparticipantsmustsignawaiver;anyparticipantunder18yearsofagemusthaveawaiverformsignedbyaparentorguardian.Noduesarechargedforaparticipant’sfirstevent.Membershipisgrantedtonewparticipantsforlife,butmayberevokedordeniedatthediscretionoftheClub(seeBylaws).Uponbecomingamember,participantsmayimmediatelybeginattendingDarkonevents.Rulebooksareavailableonlineatdarkon.org,andhardcopiesofrulebookswillbestillavailableastheyareprinted.TheycanbepurchasedattheratesetbytheBoardofDirectors--dependingontheprintingcosts.Participantwhohaveattended5eventsorlesswillberequiredtoattendaNewParticipantSpeechgivenbymembersoftheCouncil.ThespeechincludesareviewofbasicDarkonrules,thedutiesofElders,andsafety.Thisisavaluabletimefornewparticipantstoaskveteransofthegamequestionsconcerningrules,weapons,armor,etc.Forthesafetyofallparticipants,newmemberswillhaveseveralrestrictionsuntiltheygainsufficientexperience.Newparticipantsmaynotweararmororuseanytwo-handedweapons(orswinganyweaponwithtwohands)untiltheyhaveattendedatleastfiveevents.Thisincludesglaives,blackswords,polearms,quarterstaffs,etc.Additionally,newparticipantsmaynotuseanymissileweaponsincludingbows,crossbows,andjavelins,untiltheyhaveattendedtenevents.NewparticipantsmustalsoregisterasaFighter(seeChapterFive)untiltheyhaveattendedfiveevents,atwhichtimetheymayconvertanycreditsgainedatthatpointintothecharactertypeoftheirchoice.

TypesofEventsThereareavarietyoftypesofbattlesthattheEldersmaychoosetorunduringanevent.Severalexamplesarelistedbelow,buttheEldersarealwayspermittedtocreateuniquetypesofbattles,aswellasmodifytherulesfortraditionalbattles.Eldersarefreetodetermineanyspatialboundariesortimelimitsforeachbattle.

TeamBattlesDuringteambattlesallparticipantsareseparatedintotwoormoreequalteams.Thetwoteamsthenfightuntilmembersofonlyoneteamremain.

AdventuresAdventuresarerun,withtheapprovaloftheBoard,byanygroupofparticipantswhowillservecollectivelyasEldersfortheEvent.Anadventureisusuallyapre-scriptedplotorscenarioforwhichtheEldersmayrecruitindividualparticipantstoplaymonstersand‘non-participant’characters(seeNon-ParticipantCharactersinChapterFive),andthroughwhichtheywillguidetheparticipants.Participantsmayencountermonsterswithspecialabilities,ancientrelics,orpowerfulunseenforces.AnyspecialgameeffectsmaybeutilizedattheElders’discretion.Adventuresareruneitherasaweekendlongcampout,orasadaylong‘DayAdventure.’

CountryBattlesEachcountrymustfightasanindependentunit.Allnomadsmaybegroupedtogetherasasinglecountryorusedtoaugmentasmallercountry.Countriesthenfightuntilmembersofonlyonecountryremain.

AllianceBattlesThesearesimilartocountrybattlesexceptacountrywillbepermittedtoformanalliance,andfightwithoneormoreotherCountries.Thereisusuallyatimelimitonthesealliances,whichwillbeannouncedbytheEldersonthefield.

LandEventsUsuallyheldbeforetheday’sregularevents,theLandMarshalwillrunaseriesofbattlesforCountriesattemptingtoacquirenewland.FormoreonLandBattles,seeChapterEight:LandRules.

ResurrectionBattle

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ThisisnormallyasmallunitbattlewheretheElderwilldesignatea‘Resurrectionpoint’wherefallenparticipantsmayberaised.Thistypeoffightoftenstartsoffwithsmallteams(3ormore)andwhenenoughparticipantstomakeanewteamarriveattheresurrectionpointtheymayleaveasanewlivingteam.

CaravanBattleThisissimilartoatwoteambattle,exceptthatonesideistransportingavaluableitem(treasurechest,captiveprincess,andsoon),toapredetermineddestination,alongagivenroute.Theopposingteamhasthetaskofrobbingthecaravanand/orpreventingitfromreachingitsdestination.

CardboardShieldBattlesSomebattledayswillbedesignatedasCardboardShieldbattles.Shieldsofcardboardandtapeareusedinsteadofnormalshields.Theseshieldsmaybenomorethan1/2"thickandmustbeassessedforsafety.

Armorless,ClasslessShieldlessBattlesThesebattlesallowparticipantstoparticipateincombaton“equalfooting”throughtheeliminationofarmor,class,andshields.Participantsofcharactertypesnormallyrestrictedbyarmorandweaponsmayfightinanystyletheychooseregardlessofclassrestrictions.

IceBreakerBattleParticipantswillberandomlygroupedintosmallunits(threetofiveparticipantsineach).AsparticipantsdieandenterHades,theHadesElderwillregroupthemintonewunits.

ChaosBattlesThesebattlesremoveallteamstructureandforceeachparticipanttofightforhislife,regardlessofteamorcountryalliance;participantsmustremainactiveinthesetypesofbattles.Chaosbattlescontinueuntilonlyoneparticipantremainsalive.

BridgeBattlesThesebattlesplacenarrowspatialboundariesonthefightingareaandforceparticipantstoremainintheseboundarieswhilefighting.Ifaparticipantoverstepstheboundaries,theyareconsideredtobedead.

TournamentsTournamentsmaybehostedandElderedbytheCouncil.ParticipantswillbeallowedtocompeteinsinglecombatagainstotherparticipantsineliminationstylefightstodeterminethebestfighterintheRealmfordifferentstylesofcombatandweaponcombinations(i.e.BestSingleShortSword,BestGreatSword,BestShortSwordandShield,etc).

SiegeBattlesAsiegebattleoccurswhenoneteamisdefendinga‘structure’fromattackbyanotherteam.Duringcampouts,Countriesmaybeallowedtobuildastructurearoundtheircampinordertofortifyit.Ifthestructureisbeingdefendedaspartofalandevent,specialrulesmayapply(seeChapterEight).Formoreaboutsiegebattles,seeFortificationsinChapterFour.

ShipBattlesAshipbattleoccurswhentwoshipsintercepteachotherontheseaofDarkon.Whenthesebattlesoccur,eachshipmayhaveateamofparticipantstodefendtheirship,aswellassiegeweaponsandplanks.Ifthestructureisbeingdefendedaspartofalandevent,specialrulesmayapply(seeChapterNine).

Bizarro

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Bizarrobattlesoradventuresallowplayerstoplayalternatecharactersorcharacterclassesduringtheevent.Playersareencouragedtoplayasadifferentcharacterorclasswithalevelequaltotheirhighestpossessedcharacterlevel.Characterclassesmaybechangedateachcharacterdeathor10minutesdisengagedfromplay.PlayersmaytakepartinLandActionsusingBizarrocharacters,butmayonlyengageinLandWarsusingthecharacterclassinwhichtheysignedinasthatday.Onlyplayerswhohavesignedinasrangersduringthateventmayusethelandsearchability.

Check-InAtthebeginningofeachevent,allparticipantsmustgothroughacheck-inprocess,whichisorganizedbytheBoard.VariousMarshals,willexaminethegearandequipmentofeachparticipanttoensurerulecompliance.OnceaparticipanthaspassedthroughtheMarshalinspections,hemaythenpayhisduesfortheeventtotheTreasurerandrecordhisparticipationwiththeSecretary.AtthistimetheparticipantmayalsoconsultwiththeLandMarshaltodepositorwithdrawDarkoncoinfromtheCoinMarshal.Uponcompletionofthecheck-inprocedure,participantsarepermittedfullparticipationintheday’sevent.Beforewarnedthatrealweaponsareprohibitedunlessotherwisepermitted,forexample,attheFeast.Ifbrandishedataneventwheretheyareprohibited,realweaponswillbeimmediatelyconfiscatedanddisciplinaryactionwillbetaken.

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Chapter Two

CharactersandCountries

CharactersThisisafictionalbeingthatisbeingportrayedbyaparticipant.Thisbeingonlyexistsinthescopeofthegameandtheactionsofthisbeingshouldnotbetakenastheactionsoftheparticipant.Thisbeinglivesaccordingtotherulesofthegameandexistsonlyatthewhimoftheparticipant.EveryparticipantinDarkonmustcreateatleastonecharacterthattheywillrole-playduringevents.Participantsmaychoosetoidentifytheircharacterasanyoneoftheeightlistedcharactertypes(seeChapterFive:TypesofCharacters).Acharactershouldhaveanoriginalbattlename,bywhichthatcharacterwillbeknown.Participantsshouldrefrainfromusingcommonhistorical,orfantasynamessuchasIvanhoe,Merlin,orRedSonja.ParticipantsshouldalsorefrainfromusinganytitlethatmaycorrespondwithatitleofNobility(seeNobility)oroccupationaltitleasaprefacetotheirnames.Duringevents,participantsshouldalwaysbereferredtobytheirbattlenames.Participantsmayalsochoosetoplayracesotherthanhuman(elves,dwarves,orcs,etc.),butwillnotreceiveanyracialabilities.Ifaparticipantchoosestoplayaraceotherthanhuman,theyareencouragedtowearcostumes,make-up,etc.tofittheracethattheyhavechosen.Participantsmaydeveloptheirownhistory,philosophy,religion,superstition,etc.tohelpdefinetheircharacter.

AlignmentOnewaytodevelopacharacterpersonaisthroughtheuseofalignment;notethatsomecharactertypesmayhaverestrictionsonaparticipant’salignment.Charactersmaybegood,neutral,orevil.Concurrently,charactersmayalsobelawful,neutral,orchaotic.Achaotic-evilcharacterwillcausehavocrandomly,whilealawful-goodcharacterwillseektomaintainorderandprotecttheweak.Atrueneutralcharacterisprimarilyconcernedwithhisownsurvival.Whileitisnotrequiredforaparticipanttospecifyanalignmentfortheircharacter,itcanprovebeneficialformanyevents.Theremaybebattlesorganizedaround‘goodvs.evil’or‘lawvs.chaos’themes,ortheremaybealignmentspecificmagicitemsatanadventure.

CharacterAdvancementCharactersinDarkonaregrantedspellsandskillsaccordingtorank;eachcharacterstartsasfirstrank.Astheparticipantattendsbattlesasthatcharacter,thatcharacter’srankwillincrease,andallowtheparticipanttouseadditionalskillsandspells.IndividualcharacterprogressioninDarkonisgainedthroughattainingbattlecredits.Battlecreditsareobtainedatcheck-inwhenaparticipantrecordshisparticipationintheeventwiththeSecretary.Everydayeventinwhichaparticipantparticipateswillearnhimonecredit,whichisassignedtothecharacterthattheparticipantregisteredwiththeSecretaryasforthatday.Aparticipantmayhavemultiplecharactersofvarioustypes,butmayonlyplaythecharacterheregisteredwiththeSecretaryfortheentireevent.Ifanyevent,suchasacampout,runsformorethanoneday,participantswillreceiveonecreditforeachdayoftheevent,butallcreditsfromthateventmustbeassignedtoonecharacter.IfaparticipantactsasanElderoranNPCforanentireevent,hewillreceiveoneadditionalcreditwhenheregistershiscreditsatcheck-in.Also,participantswillreceiveoneadditionalcreditforeachnewmemberheintroducestoDarkon,oncethatmemberispaidinfull.Lastly,aparticipantmayreceiveoneextracreditforparticipatinginSenateasaSenatorforanentiremeetingthatlastsforoverahalfhour.

RanksAsacharacterincreasesinrank,thatcharacterwillgainspecialskillsandspells(seeChapterFive:TypesofCharacters).Foreveryfivecreditsthataparticipantassignstooneindividualcharacter,thatcharacterachievesarank,withfirstrankconsistingofcreditsonethroughfive.

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Ifaparticipantassignscreditstomultiplecharacters,eachindividualcharacterwillonlyprogressinrankswhenhehasachievedtherequiredcredits.Forexample,ifaparticipanthasaFightercharacterandaClericcharacter,andhasattended20battlesastheFighterandoneastheCleric,thenhehasafirstrankCleric,andafourthrankFighter(with20battlecredits,not21).

Rank Credits1 1-52 6-103 11-154 16-205 21-25…andsoon.

CreditTransfersForanadditional$1atcheck-in,youcantransferasinglecreditfromoneofyourotherclassesintotheclassthatyouarecheckinginasthatday.Onecreditisthelimitperevent,butyoucandothiseveryevent.Also,youmaydoaBulkTransferonceperyear,subjecttothefollowingrestrictions:

• Creditscanbetransferredfrom1classtoanotherexistingclass.$1per1credittransferred(e.g.30credits=$30).• Creditlimitisplayerscurrentcap;youcannottransfermorethanyouhave.• Youcan'ttransfermoreintoaclassthanyoualreadyhaveinthatclass.• CanonlybeutilizedforONEclass,andcannotbesplitbetweenclasses.(e.g.30creditscannotgo15intoRanger&15intoAssassin).

CountriesAcountryistheMembergroupoftheclubandmaysendtworepresentativestotheSenate.Individualparticipantcharactersmayjoinwithotherstoformcountries.Acountryisa‘team’ofatleastfourparticipants,withabanner(seeBanners),whichhasregisteredwiththeSecretary.Thereisnomaximumlimittothenumberofmembersacountrymayhave,buttheymusthaveaminimumofatleastfourmembers.Countriesarefreetotradewithoneanother,establishalliances,andevenwagewar(seeChapterNine:LandRules).

CostumesCostumingforDarkonshouldbeinspiredbypre-industrialhistoricalclothingorfantasygenreclothing.Asimplecostumecouldconsistofatunicstyleshirtwithpants/kilt/skirtsandmedieval-esqueorhistoricalfootwear;theoutfitmustgivetheimpressionofbeinginspiredbypre-industrialhistoricalorfantasygenreclothing.Hoods,mantles,capes,belts-whitebeltsarereservedtocharactersthatareKnightsoftheRealm,andpouchescanallbeworntoaddtoacostume’sappearance.Armordoescountascostuming;howeverwhenthearmorisremovedwhilestillparticipatingattheevent,propercostumingmustbeworn.20th/21stcenturycontemporaryclothing,modernlooking,steampunk,andanysci-fi/futuristiccostumingarestrictlyprohibited;examplesincludet-shirts,cargopants,jeans,shorts,camouflageclothingoranytypeof"bicycle"(spandex/Lycra)shorts.Anyathleticorsafetyequipment,suchaskneepads,maybewornbutmustbemadetomakeitnotvisible,e.g.,wornunderpropercostuming.Athleticclothingusedforwarmthorwickingpropertiesmaybewornbuttheirappearancemustbeminimizedwithinacostume.Personal‘mundane’itemssuchaswatches,radios,cellphones,glasseswithtintedlenses,etc.arenotpermittedandshouldbekepthiddenawayinpouchesorotherwiseoutofsight.Inallcaseswheremodernlogosarepresentonanyitemworn(includingsafetyequipmentandshoes)thoselogosmustberemoved,paintedoversothelogoisnottobeabletobeseenorcoveredsothelogoisnotvisibleatanytimeandinawaythatdoesnotdetractfromtheappearance.Modernfootwearmaybewornbutmustbesolidblackorbrownwithmatchinglaces;historicalfootwearmaybeofanycolor.Hard-soledcleatsareprohibited.TheCostumeMarshalwillinspectthecostumingofallparticipantsastheycheck-in,andElderswillenforcethecostumingrules

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duringgame-play.Ifatanytimeaparticipantisfoundtobenotinappropriategarb,theywillberequiredtoplaywithonlyasinglehandedsword/club/bar;iftheyarealreadyparticipating,theywillbemadetofightwithasinglehandedsword/bar/clubuntilsuchtimeastheyhaveonappropriatecostuming.

HeraldryandLiveryIntheRealmofDarkon,heraldryandliveryarethemethodsofidentifyingcountries,knights,Masters/Mistressesandveterans.Heraldryiscombinationofsymbolsandcolorscreatedbyacountry,knight,lordorveteranthatisuniquefromthosealreadyregisteredandarethemainidentifyingfeatureofacountry,knight,Master/Mistressorveteran.Liveryisanarticleofclothingsuchasacoat,tabard,surcoat,orotherarticlewornbypullingovertheheadorovertheshouldersorisasquare/banneroffofthebeltthathasthecolorsandsymbolismbasedontheheraldryofcountry,knightorMaster/Mistress.Whenacountryisformed,veteranreaches15level,oraknightorMaster/Mistressiscreated,theymustsubmittheirdesiredheraldryforreviewtoensurethatitiseasilydistinguishedfromanexistingcountry,veteran,knightorMaster’s/Mistress’heraldry.Whencheckingin,membersofacountrymustwearthecountryoraknight’sliverytocountasamemberofthatcountry.ItistheresponsibilityoftheCostumeMarshaltochecktheliveryofparticipantstoensureitisadequatetocountaslivery.IfthereisanissuetheMagistrateshallmediate.Veterancharactersachieving15thrankorhighermaydesignpersonalheraldryandwearitasliveryfromthebelt.Ifthecharacterhascountrylivery,thecountryliverymustbewornandbelargerthanthepersonallivery.AnyKnightoftheRealmorMaster/MistressoftheRealmmaydesigntheirownheraldryandwearitasliveryinlieuofcountryliveryandstillcountasamemberofacountryforthatday.OnlyknightsandMasters/Mistressesmayhavepersonalliverylargerandmoreprominentthancountrylivery.OtherformsofliverythatarepermittedaresmallfavorswornfromthebelttoshowaffiliationwithguildsandawardswithinDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.LiveryforgroupsthatdonotexistinDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.ortheRealmofDarkonarenotpermittedexceptasexplainedbelow.Designs,ifany,onshieldsmaybereflectiveofthecountryheraldryorpersonalheraldryofthebearer.However,shieldscanbeblankorhaveotherdesignsastheparticipantdesires.Participantsmaynotuseheraldryofacountry,knightorMaster/Mistresstowhichtheyarenotaffiliatedontheirshieldorperson.Shieldsmaynotbesolidyelloworsolidbrightgreen,astheyarereservedformagicshieldsandrelics.Liveryrulescanbesuspendedfornewparticipantsfortheirfirst5Darkonevents,allowingthemtimetojoinorformacountryorjoinaretinueintheRealmofDarkon.

BannersAcountriesbannermustbearitsheraldry,bemountedonapoleatleast4'inlength(bannerpolesmayneverbeusedasweapons,evenifpadded)andmustbeeasilyandsafelyportablebyasingleparticipant.Bannersmaybecapturedduringroleplay,howevertheyarestillconsideredpersonalpropertyandthereforemustbekeptingoodconditionandreturnedtotheirproperownerattheendofeachevent.Bannersmustremainattachedtotheirpolesandclearlydisplayedinplainsightatalltimes.

DefunctCountriesCountriesthatallowsixDarkoneventstopasswithoutchecking-inatleastfourcountrymeninlivery,andtheirbannerbefore1:00PMwilllosetheirstatusasacountry,andallassets,includingland,structures,andmonies(seeChapterNine:LandRules)willbelost.Insuchcases,hexesoflandreverttobeingemptyandcoffersceasetoexist;remainingcountrymembersmaycontinuetofightasnomads(seebelow).

NomadsParticipantsinDarkonwhoarenotmembersofanexistingcountryorretinuearecalled"nomads."Ifanomadwasonceamemberofacountrythathasgonedefuncttheymaycontinuetoweartheliveryoftheformercountryandfightalongsidethoseotherpreviousmemberswearingthesamelivery.Ifthenomadsareseparatedupduringtheeventeveryattemptwillbemadetokeeptheparticipantsinthesameliverytogether.Onlyexistingcountriesmaycompeteasagrouptowiningameprizesasagroup.

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Chapter Three ArmsandArmorInthissection,participantswillfindinformationdescribingweapons,shields,andarmorthatparticipantsmayuseinDarkoncombat.Themostimportantconsiderationwhenconstructingweaponsandarmormustalwaysbesafety.WeaponandArmorMarshalsmayfailapieceofequipmentatanytimeifitisdeemedunsafe,evenifithaspassedaMarshalsinspectionpreviously.SecondaryconsiderationswhenconstructingDarkonweaponsandarmorshouldbeplayability,realism,andappearance.Participantsshouldattempttoconstructtheirgearinsuchawayastohavearealisticappearanceandperformance.

WeaponsWeaponsinDarkonaresafelyconstructed,well-paddedrepresentationsoftypicalfantasyormedievalweaponry.Weaponsmusthaveastiffcore,whichispaddedwithaclosed-cell,semi-hardtypeoffoam;alltypesofmetalcoresareprohibited.Atnotimeshouldtheweapon’scorebefeltthroughthefoampadding.Theentiresurfaceoftheweaponmustbepaddedwiththeexceptionofthehandleorgrippingsurface.Thestrikingsurfacesofallnormalweaponsmusthaveaclothcoverofblack,gray,orbrowncolor.Allweaponsmusthaveawell-padded"pommel,"whichisthenon-strikingendoftheweaponbelowthegrippingsurfaceorhandle.Pommelsmustbeatleasttwoinchesindiameter(3"inthecaseofpolearms)andcoveredwithclothorPlastiDip®.Anyswungweaponupto3’inlengthmusthaveastrikingsurfaceofatleast6”;anyswungweaponover3’inlengthmusthaveastrikingsurfaceofatleast12”unlessotherwisestated.Anynon-strikingsurfaceofaweaponmaybecoveredinPlastiDip®.Allweaponsmustfollowcertainsizerequirementstobeconsideredaparticulartypeofweapon.ThefollowingisalistoftheweaponsthatarelegalinDarkon,alongwiththeircolorclassificationandsizerequirements.LongSwordorShortSword(Whiteweapon)Longorshortswordsmusthaveabladeofatleast16"inlengthandlessthan36"inlength.Withrespecttogamemechanics,thereisnodifferencebetweenalongswordandashortsword.Bothtypesarecommonlyreferredtoas"whiteswords".Theblademusthaveeasilydistinguishable,squared-off“flats”andedges,anditsthickness(edge)mustnotbemorethan2/3ofitswidth(flat).Thehandleofalongorshortswordmaynotexceedthelengthofthestrikingsurface,or28",whicheverisshorter.HandAxe(Whiteweapon)Handaxesmusthaveanoveralllength(fromtiptoendofpommel)ofatleast18”andlessthan36”.Theblademusthaveeasilydistinguishable,squared-off“flats”andedges,anditsthickness(edge)mustnotbemorethan2/3ofitswidth(flat).Handaxesmayhaveabladeoneachsideoftheshaft.Thehandleofanaxemaynotexceed⅓oftheoveralllengthoftheweapon.Theshaftofahandaxemustbewellpadded.Club(Yellowweapon)Clubsmusthaveanoveralllengthbetween18”and6½’.Unlikeasword,whichhasaflat"blade"orstrikingsurface,aclubhasaroundedstrikingsurface,whichmustbeatleast2.5”indiameter.Thehandleofaclubcannotexceedthelengthofthestrikingsurface,or28”,whicheverisshorter.Clubsarenotrequiredtohavequillons.Bar(Yellowweapon)BarsfallunderthesameconstructionrulesasGreatswordsandshortswords.Barsmaynothavequillons.Allbarsmustbemarkedwithyellowtapeonavisibleareaoftheweapon.Mace(Yellowweapon)Macesmusthaveanoveralllengthbetween18”and6½’.Maceshavearounded"head"whichisaffixedtothetopoftheshaft.Theheadofamacemustbeatleast6"inlength(seeabove),andatleast2.5”indiameter.Thehandleofamacemaynotexceed⅓oftheoverallweaponlength.Theshaftofamacemustbewellpadded.Hammer(Yellowweapon)

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Hammersmusthaveanoveralllengthbetween18”and6½’.Hammersmusthavealargefoamhead,whichmaybedesignedinanyfashiontoresembleatypeofhammer.Thehandleofahammermaynotexceed⅓oftheoverallweaponlength.Theshaftofahammermustbewellpadded.FlailandMorningStar(Yellowweapon)Flailsandmorningstarsmusthaveashaftwithalengthof8”to12”(includingthepommel),whichhasasolidcoreandiswellpaddedexceptonthegrippingsurface.Theymusthaveaclothandfoam"chain"withalengthof8”to12”.Thechainiscomposedof1"to2"widefoamlinksspacednomorethan1/2"apartandthefoamlinksmusteitherbeattachedtothechain,orbepackedtightlyenoughthattheydonotexposemorethan½”ofthechain.Theheadofaflailmustbemadefromacore-lesspieceoffoam,whichmaybenomorethan1’longandmustbeatleast3"wide.Theheadofamorningstarmustbearoundpieceofcorelessfoamwithadiameterbetween6"and8".Flailandmorningstarheadsmustbecorelessbecausetheyareheadlegalweapons.Quarterstaff(Yellowweapon)Aquarterstaffmusthavealengthof4’to6½’.Theentireshaftisconsideredtobeastrikingsurface,withtheexceptionofthegrippingsurface,thereforeaquarterstaffmustbewellpaddedfromendtoend.Dagger(Redweapon)Daggersmusthaveastrikingsurfacebetween6"and9"inlength.Thetotallengthofadaggermaynotexceed18”.Thetipofthedaggermusthaveadditionalpaddingsincethisweaponisusedforthrustingonly.Spear(Redweapon)Spearsmusthaveanoveralllengthbetween3½’and10’.Theymusthaveawell-paddedheadofatleast3”indiametersincetheyareusedexclusivelyforthrusting.Thisweaponmusthave⅓ofitslengthcoveredincourtesypadding(thisincludesthehead).Javelin(Red,missileweapon)Javelinsarebetween4’and5’inlength.Thecoreofajavelinmustbe½”nominalpipesizePVCpipe,orhollowfiberglassofnogreaterthan¾”outerdiameter.Thickleatherand/orPVCpipecapsmustbesecurelyfastenedtobothendsofthecore.Tomakethejavelinshaft,theentirecoremustbepaddedwithClimatube®orotherclosedcellfoam.ThisfoammaybecoveredinclothtapeThisfoammustbegluedtothecore.Theheadofajavelinmustbeconstructedwithuncompactedsoftcellfoamandmeasure3”indiameter.Theremustalsobea3”indiameterand1”thicklayerofclosedcellfoambetweentheheadandthecappedjavelincore.Theentireheadofthejavelinmustbecoveredinredcloth.Thepommelofajavelinmustbeatleast2”indiameter.Thepommelmustbecoveredwithblack,brown,orgraycloth.AWeaponMarshalmaycutintoaJavelintoensureproper,safeconstruction.BowandArrows(Red,missileweapons)Bowsmaybelongorrecurvestylebowsandhavea‘traditional’appearance.Theymusthavebetween10and40poundsofpullat28”.Moderncompoundbowsareprohibited.Arrowsmaybeconstructedonaluminum,fiberglass,wooden,orcarbonshafts.Fiberglassandwoodenarrowshaftsmustbecoveredlengthwiseintape.Arrowtipsmustbeatleast2.5"indiameterandespeciallywellpaddedwithanopen-celltypeoffoam.Thetipsoftheshaftmusthaveapennyorothersimilarobjectbetweenthecoreandthefoam;arrowfletchingsmustalsohaveatleastthreefletches.AsarrowsareoneofthehardestDarkonweaponstomakesafely,newarchersarestronglyencouragedtospeaktoaveteranwitharrowconstructionexperiencebeforeattemptingtoconstructanyarrowsontheirown.Arrowsmayonlybeshotwithabow.AWeaponMarshalmaycutintoanarrowtoensureproper,safeconstruction.

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Youmaynotuseameleeweaponincombatwhileholdingabow;youmustdropthebowbeforeusinganotherweapon.Youmayneverblockordeflectwithabow,includinganymissileweapon.Participantsblockingwithbowswilllosetheirarchingprivileges.CrossbowandBolts(Red,missileweapons)Crossbowsarepermittedandmusthave30poundsorlessofpull(40poundsforpistolcrossbows)atfulldraw.Acrossbowboltisidenticalinallwaystoanarrow,exceptforthefiringdeviceandnumberoffletchesrequired;crossbowboltfletchingmusthavetwofletches.Allotherrulesapplicabletoarrowsapplyequallytobolts.GreatSword(Blackweapon)Greatswordsmusthaveahandleatleast1'inlengthandastrikingsurfaceatleast36"inlength.Theblademusthaveeasilydistinguishable,squared-off“flats”andedges,anditsthickness(edge)mustnotbemorethan2/3ofitswidth(flat).Thehandleonagreatswordmaynotexceed28".Agreatswordmaynothaveanoveralllengththatexceeds6½'.Greatswordsmustbeswungwithtwohandstoadministerblackdamageandwilladministerwhitedamageifswungsingle-handedly.Battle-Axe(Blackweapon)Battle-Axesmusthaveanoveralllengthbetween3’and10’.Theblademusthaveeasilydistinguishable,squared-off“flats”andedges,anditsthickness(edge)mustnotbemorethan2/3ofitswidth(flat),andastrikingsurfaceofatleast1’inlength.Theweaponmusthaveaneasilydistinguishableaxeshape.Battle-axesmayhaveabladeoneachsideoftheshaft.Theshaftofabattle-axemustbewellpadded.ThehandleofaBlack-axemaynotexceed⅓oftheoverallweaponlength.Battle-axesmustbeswungwithtwohandstoadministerblackdamageandwilladministerwhitedamageifswungsingle-handedly.WhiteGlaive(Whiteweapon)Whiteglaivesmusthaveanoveralllengthofatleast5’andlessthan7’,withamaximumcorediameterof1”.Theblademustbebetween18”to24”inlength,4”wide,and2”thick.Atleast1/3oftheweapon’stotallengthmustbeblade,uptothemaximumbladesize.Theshaftoftheglaivemustbepaddedwithclosedcellfoam18”fromthebottomofthebladetowardthepommel.Thepommelmustbeatleast3”indiameter.Whiteglaivesmayonlybeswungwithtwohands.Whiteglaivesmaynothavequillons.BlackGlaive(Blackweapon)Blackglaivesmustbebetween7’to10’inlength,withamaximumcorediameterof1”.Theblademustbebetween30”to36”inlength,4”wide,and2”thick.Atleast1/3oftheweapon’stotallengthmustbeblade,uptothemaximumbladesize.Theshaftoftheglaivemustbepaddedwithclosedcellfoam24”fromthebottomofthebladetowardthepommel.Thepommelmustbeatleast3”indiameter.Blackglaivesmayonlybeswungwithtwohands.Blackglaivesmaynothavequillons.AsmentionedinChapterFour,newweaponsmustfirstbeapprovedbytheCouncilforsafetyrequirements.RefertoChapterFourformoreinformation.

ShieldsShieldsinDarkonarethemosteffectiveprotectionagainstphysicalattacksandwillblockanattackfromallnon-siegeweapons.Aparticipantmayonlywearoneshieldatatime(exceptforbucklers,detailedbelow),andshieldsmustbewornonthearminordertoprovideprotection.Theremaybenoshieldspikesorother‘hard’decorationsonthefrontoredgeofashield.Shieldsmaynotbethrown.Ashieldmaybemadeinanystyle,shape,orsizeaccordingtothecharactertyperestrictionsoftheparticipant.Thesizeofashieldismeasuredbytheshield’slargestdimension.Ifashieldislargerthan36"itisconsideredtobeatowershield.Shields36”andunderarenotrequiredtohavecores,butmustberigid.Iftheshieldhasacore,itmusthaveatleast1½”offoampastthecore.

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Shieldsover36”mustbeconstructedwithasolidplywoodcoreatleast½”thick,andthewoodmustbewellpaddedonthefront,outeredges,andcorners,withnolessthan1½”andnomorethat6”offoamfromtheouteredgeofthecore.Thewoodmaycontainholesforhandlesandfitting,butholestosimplytoremoveweightareforbidden.Anyprotrusionsshouldbesufficientlypadded.AllshieldsmusthaveaclothorPlastiDip®.Shieldsareheldbystrapsorhandles,whichareboltedtothewoodonthebackoftheshield.Allexposedboltsorsharpedgedhandlesmustbefileddownorpadded.Theareaimmediatelyaroundandinbetweenthestrapsdoesnotrequirepadding,butmuststillbesafe.Ifashieldreceivesthreesolidhitsfromashield-destroyingweapon(glancingblowsdonotcount)itisconsidereddestroyedandmuchbedropped.IfaparticularRelicorspellwillpenetrateashield,itwillbestatedinthedescriptionoftheRelicorspell.Shieldsthatfastentothearm,leavingthehandfree,arecalledbucklers.Bucklersmustbebetween12"and18"insizeandmaybemadefrom1/4"thickwood.Aparticipantmaywearonebucklershieldoneacharm,butmaynotusebothabucklerandanormalshield.Bucklers,asspecifiedinthisrulebook,areconsideredshieldsbutarestrappedtothearmandmadewithlightermaterials.Assuch,shieldbreakingweaponswilldestroythemwithtwohits(thisincludesmagesshields;iftheyfollowthespecifications,outlinedintherulebook,forbucklers).Becauseitisdifficulttoremoveabucklerduringcombat,anyhitstoanalreadydestroyedbuckler(stillstrappedtoaparticipant’sarm)willcountasanormalhit.Again,becauseitisdifficulttoremoveabucklerduringcombat,anyhitstoabucklerwhichisstrappedtoaninjuredarm(i.e.lightwound)shallcountasthoughsaidarmwasstruckdirectly.

ArmorAllarmorinDarkonisclassifiedintooneoffivearmorclasses(AC).TheACwornwilldeterminehowmanyhitsaparticipantmayabsorbbeforewoundsareinflicted,dependingontheweapontype.Armormustcoveratleast75%oftheupper/lowerappendageortorsoinordertobeconsideredarmor;forexample,beltsandbucklesarenotconsideredarmor.Armorwillonlyprotecttheareathatitcovers.Ahitthatisstrucktoanunarmoredarea,evenifitstrikesbetweenthejointsofapieceofarmor,willinflictawoundtotherecipientasifitwerestrikingAC0(noarmor).Ifaparticipantiswearinghiddenarmor,theymaybeaskedbyEldersorparticipantstodisclosewhatarmorisworn,whichtheymusttruthfullyanswer.Ifaparticipantiswearingmultipletypesofarmorcoveringthesamehitzone,ahittothatzonecountsasonehittoallofthearmorcoveringthatzone.Forexample,aparticipantiswearingAC3coveringhisthighandAC4coveringhisshins;anyhitstothelegwillcountasahittobothACs.Therefore,theprotectiononthethighwillbeexhaustedbeforetheprotectionontheshinbecauseAC4canabsorbmorehitsthanAC3.Ifaparticipantiswearingtwoormoretypesofarmorthatcoveroroverlaponeanother,theparticipantmayonlycountthearmorthatoffersthemostprotection.Forexample:Aparticipantiswearingaleatherjerkin(AC1)coveredbyasplintmailvest(AC2)onhistorso.HemayonlyusetheprotectiongivenbytheAC2splintmail.Ifalimbislightlywounded,anyarmoronthatlimbisconsideredexhausteduntilthewoundishealedandthearmorrepaired.Onceapieceofarmorhasabsorbedahit,thatpieceisconsideredtohavetakendamage.Damagedarmorwillremaininthatconditionuntilitisrepairedeitherthroughaskill,spell,orinHades(seeHades,below).TheArmorMarshalorMagistratewillruleonanyquestionsordisputesregardingarmor.

ArmorRequirementsArmormustbesafelyconstructedwiththematerialsallowedforeachspecificarmorclass.Helmets,coifs,andotherheadprotectionareallowedaslongastheymeetthepropersafetyandarmortyperequirements.Allmetalarmorshouldhavefiled,roundededgestoavoidinjuriesandmaynotincludeanyspikes,sharpflanges,orcreststhatmayharmaparticipantoraweapon.Armorshouldlookandfeelrealistic,andmustbeapprovedbytheArmorMarshal.Unlessexplicitlypermittedinthespecificarmortypedescription,metalarmormustbeconstructedofbrass,bronzeorsteel;anditmustbeatleast18-gaugeandnothinnerthan.045”.Allaluminumarmorisforbidden.Additionally,forsafetyreasons,metallicarmorbelowaparticipant’swristoronthehanditselfmaynotbewornwithoutexpresspermissionfromtheCouncil.

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ArmorClassesArmortypesaredividedupintoclasses,thenumberassociatedwiththeclassisthenumberofpointsofdamagethearmorcanstop.ThefollowingisadescriptionoftherequirementsforeachArmorClass:ArmorClass0Noarmor,justcostume.ArmorClass1Leatherarmorismadeofatleast5-ounceleather(leatherjacketscannotbeused).Leatherscalearmorconsistsofsmallleatherscrapssecurelyattachedtoaheavymaterialorleatherinalternatingrows.Paddedarmor(Gambeson,Aketon),mustbeavest,jacket,orpantsconstructedtopresentamedievalappearanceandmustincludeatleasttwolayersoffabricwithpaddingsecuredbetweenthemineitheraseriesoftubesoragrid.Paddedarmormustnotcompresspast5mminthickness.Bothacostumemarshalandanarmormarshalmustinspectpaddedarmorforittobedeemedpassing.ArmorClass2Studdedleatherarmorisconstructedofnormalleatherarmorwithsmoothmetalstudsofatleast1/2"sizeinevenlyspacedrows,setapartatintervalsofthediameterofthestud.Ringmailismadeofnon-flexiblesteelorbronzeringsnolargerthan2"indiameteronheavymaterialorleather.Theringsshouldbeevenlyspaced,atonehalfoftheirdiameterapartinalternatingrows.Splintmailismadeof18-gaugesteelorbronzeplatesonheavymaterialorleatherwithroundededges;platesmustbeevenlyspaced,atadistanceofnomorethanthesizeoftheplatesapart.Hideisarmorinwhichasinglelayerofleatherisatleast10oz.inthickness.Multiplethinnerlayersthataddupto10oz.orgreaterDONOTcount.Anysinglepieceofarmor(greave,torso,bracers,etc.)thatcontainsANYareaunder10oz.inthickness(otherthanfasteningstraps)doesnotcountasHide.Anyarmortype(scale,lamellar,brigandine,etc.)madewhollywith10-oz.leather(excludingstrapsandbackingmaterial)shallbeconsideredAC2Hidearmoraslongasthescales/platesoverlaporbutt(i.e.,within1/4")againstadjoiningscales/plates.SharkmailisessentiallychainmailmadefromringswhicharetoosmalltomeettherequiredspecificationsforAC3.Sharkmailmaybemadefromringswithawirediameterlessthan0.045".BecausesharkmailislighterthanAC3chainmail,itreceivesalesserArmorClass.ArmorClass3Chainmailarmorisconstructedofinterwovenmetalrings,andtheratioofthediameterofthoseringstothewidthofthewireused,knownasaspectratio,determinesitsstrength.ThemaximumringsizesforstandardEuropean4-in-1chainmailarmor,bothbutted(includingwelded)andriveted,aregivenbelow.ChainmailarmormadeofsturdylinksthatfailstomeettherequirementsofAC3,e.g.sharkmailorbutcher'smail,willcountasAC2.ButtedMailmusthaveanaspectratioof4.8orless,asfollows:12gringsmustbenolargerthan1/2"(0.5")or12.7mm14gringsmustbenolargerthan3/8"(0.375")or9.8mm16gringsmustbenolargerthan5/16"(0.312")or7.8mm18gringsmustbenolargerthan3/16"(0.188")or5.8mmRivetedmailmusthaveanaspectratioof7.5orless,asfollows:12gringsmustbenolargerthan3/4"(0.75")or19.8mm14gringsmustbenolargerthan9/16"(0.562")or15.2mm16gringsmustbenolargerthan7/16"(0.438")or12.2mm

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18gringsmustbenolargerthan5/16"(0.312")or9.1mmScalemailismadeofsteelorbronzescales,usuallyleaf-leafshaped,withroundedbottoms.Thescalesmustbeatleast0.024"thick(23gaugeSWG)steelorbronzeandnolargerthan2"by3".Aswithleatherscale,itmustbefastenedtoheavymaterialorleatherinalternatingrows.Thescalesmayalsobewoventogetherwithmetalrings,eliminatingtheneedforabackingmaterial.Ineithercase,thescalesoverlapeachothercompletelysothatthereare2layersofscaleseverywhereexceptattheedgesofthearmor.Buttedmailismadeofminimum18-gaugesteelorbronzeplatesthatarefastenedontoheavymaterialorleather.Theplatesmusttouch,orbuttupagainstoneanother.Theremaybenogapsbetweentheplates.ArmorClass4Platearmormustbemadeofsteel,brass,orbronze;themetalmustbe18-gaugeminimum.Alledgesmustbecarefullyfileddownsothatnoparticipantmaybecutbyit.Itisrecommendedthatyoucoveralledgeswithfoamand/orducttapeforadditionalsafety.Greavesmaybesecuredwithleather,beltsandbuckles,thongs,laces,orchains.Bandedmailismadeofoverlappinglayersofatleast18-gaugesteelorbronze.Thebandsmusthaveroundedcorners.Ifproperlyfitteditshouldleavenoareaexposed.Bandscanbetiedorrivetedtoheavymaterial.

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Chapter Four CombatCombatinDarkonisregulatedbyahitsystem;thischapterwilloutlinehowthecombatsystemworks,whileChapterThree:ArmsandArmordetailedthespecificationsforDarkonweaponsandarmor.

LegalHitsTocountasalegalweaponhitinDarkon,theweaponmust:

• Beunderthefullcontrolofthewielderatthetimeofcontact(ortimeofreleaseformissileweapons)• Makecontactwiththetargetplayerwiththedesignated“strikingsurface”oftheweaponused• Makecontactwithalegaltargetzoneonplayerbeingstruck.• Bemovedwithintentbythewielderinasafemanner,consistentwiththeweaponsappropriateuses.• Bemovedsothateachstrikeisseparateanddistinctfromthestrikebeforeandaftercontact• Uponcontactwithtargetplayer,theweaponmuststopallforwardmomentumorchangedirection&• Bedeliveredwithsufficientforce*suchthatastrikecanbeclearlydeterminedasanoffensivestrikeandnotincidental

contactduringcombat *Sufficientforceisdefinedas:

• Swingingweapons(white,black,nonchainyellow):Enoughforwardmomentumthatanunawareopponentwearing10oz.leatheroverclothingcandistinguishthestrikeasoffensiveratherthenincidentalcontact.

• Stabbing/Thrusting(red):Enoughforwardmomentumthatanunawareopponentwearing5oz.leatheroverclothingcandistinguishthestrikeasoffensiveratherthenincidentalcontact.

• Miscellaneous(chainyellow,arrows&javelins):Enoughforwardmomentumthatanunawareopponentwearingclothingcandistinguishthestrikeasoffensiveratherthenincidentalcontact

• Combatantswearingheavierarmorthendescribedmustregisteralegalhiteveniftheblowisnotfeltbythecombatantsolongastheforcewassufficienttomeettheaboverequirement.

NotethatanvillingisanillegaltacticinDarkon.Anvillingisusingaweapon,wornitem,oranon-heldshieldtoblockablowbyrestingthatobjectagainstyourbodytoblockaincomingattack.Ifthishappensyoumusttreatthehitasifithadmadecontactwiththatparticularhitzone.Evenpassiveanvillingisnotallowed,suchasasheathedswordbeingstruck,orashieldstrappedtotheback,oraheldweaponbeinghitintothearm.Itislegaltoholdtwoweaponsinonehandandusingthemtoblockisnotanvilling.Pleasenotethatifyouattempttoblockaweapon,andtheattackingweaponpenetratesyourblockandmakescontactwithsufficientforceitcountsasalegalhit.Inordertoblockablowyoumustbesuccessfulinstoppingtheforceoftheblow,notmerelyattemptingtoblocktheblow.

HitZonesHitsmuststrikealegalhitzoneinordertoregisterdamage.Thelegalhitzonesaredescribedasfollows:Limbs:Eachleg,fromabovetheankleandbelowthewaist(includingthebuttocks),andeacharm,fromabovethewristandbelowtheshoulder,willcountasseparateindependenthitzone.Pleasenotethatifyoudonothaveaweaponinyourhand,ahittothehandislegal.Likewise,ifyourfootisofftheground,ahittothatfootislegal.Torso:Theareafrombelowthenecktothetopofthewaist(includinggroin),betweenthearmpits,andboththefrontandbackofthebody,willcountasasinglehitzone.Head:Thecrownandbackoftheheadwillcountasasinglehitzone;thisincludesthebackoftheneck.

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Illegal:Thesideofthehead,ears,face,throat,thesidesoftheneck,hands(belowthewrist)andfeet(belowtheankles)areconsideredillegalhitzonesforallweaponswiththeexceptionsforhandsandfeetasnotedabove.Therecipientmaydisregardanyhittoanillegalhitzone.Unsafe:Hittinganyzonewiththenon-strikingsurfaceofaweapon,the“flat”isanillegal/unsafestrikeandtherecipientmaydisregardthehit.

WeaponTypesAllweaponsareclassifiedintooneoffourweapontypes;eachweapontypeisrepresentedbyacolortosignifyitstypeofdamagewitheachcolordoingasetnumberofpointsofdamage.Allweaponsmustbeclearlymarkedwithastripofcoloredtapeofthesamecolorastheweapontype,preferablyabovethehandleorontheshaft.Participantsareexpectedtoloudlyannouncethecoloroftheweaponwithwhichtheyarestrikinginordertopromotesmoothergameplay;forexample,aparticipantwieldingaGreatSwordshouldshout,“Black!”witheachswing.Thefourweapontypesarelistedasfollows.SeeChapterThree:ArmsandArmorforthesizeandsafetyrequirementsofeachindividualweapon.

MeleeWeaponTheCouncilmustfirstapproveanynewweapontypebeforeitmaybefieldedatanevent.QuestionsconcerningwhatarevalidDarkonweapontypesshouldbebroughttotheCounciloraWeaponMarshal.

WhenintroducinganewweapontotheCouncilforapproval,theparticipantmustfirstdeterminetheweaponspecifics,includingminimumandmaximumdimensions,diagrams,typeofdamage,charactertyperestrictions,andanyspecialrulesregardingthenewweapon.Ifayellowweaponhasathrustingtip,itwillonlycauseyellowdamage.Aquarterstaffistheonlyweaponthatmayhaveastrikingsurfaceonbothends,andeventhenitmayonlyhaveathrustingtipononeend.Flailsandmorningstarsaretheonlyweaponsthatarelegaltostriketothecrownandbackofthehead.Noweaponiseverconsideredsafetotheface,throat,sidesoftheneck,ears,oranyotherillegalhitzone.Blackweaponsmustbeswungwithbothhandsinordertoadministerblackdamage.Ifablackweaponisusedwithonehand,itwillonlydealwhitedamage.Non-thrustingweaponsmayneverbeusedtothrust,eventokeepanopponentatbay;thrusting-onlyandmissileweapons(spears,arrowsandjavelins)maynotbeswung.

MissileWeaponsTherearetwotypesofmissileweaponsinDarkon:javelinsandarrows.Missileweaponsarelegalonlytonormallegalhitzonesanddoreddamage.Arrowsandjavelinsmustimpactbytheirtipsinordertoinflictdamage;glancinghitsdonotcausedamage.Arrowsandjavelinsmaybeblockednormallybyshields.Javelinsmayalsobeblocked,caught,ordeflectedaslongasthisisdonetotheshaftofthejavelin.Ifanarrowisintentionallyblocked,caught,ordeflectedbyaparticipantthroughmeansotherthanashield,

WeaponTypes ExamplesSlashingWeapons(White–1Point)

ShortSwords,LongSwords,HandAxes,WhiteGlaives

CrushingWeapons(Yellow–1point)

Clubs,Bars,Maces,Hammers,Quarterstaffs,Flails,MorningStars

PiercingWeapons(Red–2points)

Daggers,Spears,Tridents,stabbingtipsonweapons

CleavingWeapons(Black–2points)

GreatSwords,Halberds,BattleAxes,BlackGlaives

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thatparticipantsuffersalightwoundtothelimbthatblockedthearrow,regardlessofarmor.Thesamepenaltyappliestoaparticipantwhointerfereswiththeflightofajavelinbyitstip.Specificallyifaplayerdeflectsanarrowbyuseofaweaponorhandandtheyarenotamonktheyarerequiredtotakealightwoundinthearmdoingthedeflectionregardlessofskinspellsorarmor,droppinganyheldweapontothegroundimmediately.Thedamagecausedinthiscaseisapenaltyfordoingsomethingstrictlyagainsttherules.Ifanarrowhitsyourweaponandtheweaponisbetweenyouandthearcherandisactinginanywayshapeorformasadeflectiontoolyouaretotakeawoundtothearmholdingtheweaponwiththeaddedresultbeingdroppingtheweapontothegroundimmediately.IfyourweaponisstruckandyoudidNOTplaceyourweapons(includingahandholdingaweapon)toactasadeflectionpointthenandonlythenyouaretotakethewoundasifyourweaponwasnottheretodeflectthearrow,usingproperjudgment.Missileweaponhitsdonotcountiftheyhavericochetedordeflectedoffashieldoranotherparticipant.Theymusthitdirectlyinordertocount.

SiegeWeaponsTherearetwotypesofsiegeweaponsintheRealmofDarkon:ballistaeandcatapults.Ballistaefire‘bolts’thatareconstructedunderthesameguidelinesasjavelins(seeJavelinsinChapterThree).Catapultsfire‘balls’thatareconstructedunderthesameguidelinesasspellballs(seeSpellBallsinChapterSix).Ballistaboltsandcatapultballsmustbecoveredwithdarkgreencoloredcloth.Siegeweaponscanbeusedinmultiplebattlesonthesameday.Threeparticipantsmustmanasiegeweaponatalltimeswhileitisinuse;twoparticipantstoloadthesiegeweaponandonetofireit.Theseparticipantsmusthavebothhandsfree.Itrequirestwoparticipantstoliftasiegeweapon,evenifitisphysicallylightenoughtobemovedbyasingleparticipant.Onceasiegeweaponhasbeenfired,thosemanningitmustcountaloud10secondsbeforefiringthesiegeweaponagain;thiscountmustbeloudenoughthatitcanbeheardwithina10’radiusofthesiegeweapon.Siegeweaponsmayonlyfireoneboltorballatatime.Itrequires2playerstomoveanysiegeweaponboltorball,andtheplayersmaynothaveanythingintheirhands.Siegeweaponboltsandballsinflictnon-magical‘green’damageuponimpact,eveninthecaseofmisfire.Greendamagecausesdeathtoanyonewhoisstruckdirectlybyagreendamageweapon,penetratinganddestroyingallarmorandshields.Inaddition,greendamagecausesamortalwoundtoanyparticipantwhoiswithina3’radiusofthepointofimpact,alsopenetratinganddestroyingallarmorandshields.Bolts/ballsdo4hitsofdamageintheAOEwhileblessedbolts/ballsdo4holyhitsintheAOE,toNPCsthattakespointsofdamageinsteadofourhitsystem.WhenusedonboardashiptheAOEeffectonboardshiponlyeffectsthoseontheship,notthoseinthewater.Whenthebolt/ballhitswatertheAOEofasiegeengineisNOTnegatedbythewater,butonlyeffectsthoseinthewater.Asinglehitfromanygreenweaponwilldestroyasiegeweapon;additionally,siegeweaponscanbedestroyedinthesamemannerasgates(seeFortifications).

WeaponTypesvs.ArmorWhenasolidhitisadministeredtoalegalhitzone,itinflictsdamage.Eachweapontypedoesaspecificnumberofpointsofdamageandeacharmorclassisallowedtoabsorb,ortake,anumberofpointsbeforeaparticipantwillsufferawound.ThenumberofpointsthatarmorcanabsorbdependsontheweapontypethatinflictedthedamageandtheACofthearmor.TodeterminedamagesubtractthepointsinflictedbytheweaponfromtheAC.WhenyourACdropsto0continuetosubtract,thesimplechartbelowwillhelpdetermineyourstatusbasedonnumberofpointsofdamageagainstaspecifichitlocation.

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AC0HitChart

PointsTakentoBodyLocation 1 2 3Limb Light Mortal Death Torso Mortal Death Death Head Death Death Death

Exceptions:Yellowweaponscannotadvancealimbbeyondlightwound.RedweaponsignoreAC1andAC2entirely.ThefirstwoundfromaredweapontoalimbisALWAYSalightwound.

WoundsAparticipantsuffersawoundwhenhehastakendamagetoahitzonethatisunprotectedbyarmor.Whenanarmoredhitzonehasabsorbedallofthehitsthatthearmorcoveringitisallowed,anyfurtherhitstothathitzonewillresultinawound.TherearetwodifferenttypesofwoundsinDarkon:lightwounds,andmortalwounds.

LightWoundsAlightwoundisawoundinflictedtothelimbsonly.Itisnotpossibleforaparticipanttosufferalightwoundtotheheadortorso.Whenaparticipantsuffersalightwoundtoalimb,thatlimbisnolongeruseable.Aparticipantwithalightwoundtohisarmmaynotholdanythinginthatarm.Anythingthattheparticipantwasholdinginthatarmwhenthelightwoundwasinflictedmustbedroppedimmediately,andthearmmustdanglelifelesslyathisside.Ifalegsuffersalightwound,theparticipantmustlockthekneeofthatleginplaceordragthelegwhenhewalks;therefore,aparticipantmayneverleadwithalightlywoundedleg.Participantswithalightwoundonalegmayneverrun.Ifbothlegssufferalightwound,thatparticipantmustdroptohiskneesandmaycontinuetofightandmovefromthatposition.Lightwoundswillremaininthatconditionuntilaparticipantdies,suffersamortalwound,orhashiswoundhealed.Lightwoundswillnothealbythemselves,norwilltheybecomeworseovertime.

MortalWoundsMortalwoundsaresufferedwhenaparticipanttakesawoundtothetorsoortoalimbthathasalightwound;amortalwoundisalsosufferedwhenawoundistakentothehead.Participantswhoaremortallywoundedwilldiefiveminutesaftertheysufferthewoundiftheyarenothealed,unlessheorsheisstabilizedbyoneofthefollowingmethods:

• TheplayerreceivesaCureLightWoundsorCureSeriousWoundsspell,or• TheplayerreceivesFirstAidfromaFighter.

Mortallywoundedparticipants,stabilizedornot,cannotstand,fight,orcastspells.Theymay,however,crawl,speak,quaffapotion,screaminpain,andmaystillholdontotheirweaponswithanyarmthatisnotwounded.Ifamortallywoundedparticipantsuffersanyadditionalwounds,heisconsideredtobedead.

Death

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Whenyoudie,lieonthegroundorgetoutofthewayifyoufeelendangeredofgettinghurt.Ifthegroundiswetthenyoumaysitupwithyourweapononyourhead.Donotleavethefielduntilthefightisover.Anytimeyouaredeadandnotlayingontheground,holdyouweaponoveryourhead.Onceaparticipantisdead,hecannotmove,speak,orperformanyotheractionsfortwominutesoratthediscretionofanElder.Ifaparticipantiskilledwhileinthemidstofaweaponswing,theblowisstillconsideredvalidiftheweaponwasinmotionatthetimetheparticipantsustainedthewound.Whenaparticipantdiesandreturnstolife(viaHades;seebelow),hehasnoin-charactermemoryoftheeventsthatoccurredinthelastfiveminutesimmediatelybeforehisdeath.Hewillnotrememberthecircumstancessurroundinghisdeath,orwhokilledhim.Adeadparticipantcangainnoin-characterknowledgeandisunawareofhissurroundingswhiledead.Ifaparticipantreturnstolifethroughmagicalmeans(within12minutesofhisdeath),heretainsallofhismemories,uptothetimeofdeath.ParticipantsmayonlypretendtobedeadusingtheFeignDeathspell(seeFeignDeathinChapterSix);otherwise,participantsareneverallowedtofakedeathorwounds.

HadesWhenaparticipantis‘killed’onthebattlefield,hemustspendsometimeinHades,afterwhichhewillbeallowedbackintothebattle.ParticipantsmayvoluntarilyspendtimeinHadesaswell,ifwoundedorinneedofarmororshieldrepair.Ifaparticipantsuffersawound,death,ordamagetoarmor,hemayhavethatconditionrestoredeitherthroughtheuseofspells,skills,orbyspendingtimeinHades.Hadesisadesignatedareaconsideredoutofplay,inwhichparticipantsmayspendanamountoftimeinordertorepairarmordamage,healwounds,orrestorelife.Nocombatmaytakeplacewithina10’radiusofHades.HadesisnottobeusedasasanctuaryforlivingparticipantsandtheyshouldnothangaroundtheHadesareaoruseanyconfusionresultingfrombeingnearHadestotheiradvantage.AnyparticipantusurpingtheHadesrulesmaybecalleddeadatthediscretionoftheHadesorEventElder.IfaparticipantisleavingHadesandenteringdirectlyintoacombatsituation,theparticipantshouldannounce,“Alive!”beforeleaving.TherewillbeanElderstationedinHadeswhoiscalledtheHadesElder.TheHadesElderwillrecordthenameofeachparticipantenteringHades,thetimeheentered,andhisreasonforbeinginHades.Whentheappropriatetimehaselapsedforeachparticipant,theconditionforwhichtheparticipantcametoHades,andany‘lesser’conditionswillberestored(i.e.deadparticipantswillreturntolifeandtheirarmorwillbefullyrepaired),andtheHadesElderwillreturnhimtothebattlefield.NoparticipantmayleaveHadesuntilinstructedtodosobytheHadesElder.Participantswithlightwounds,orthoseinneedofarmorrepair,arefreetowalkintoHades.MortallywoundedparticipantsmustcrawlorbecarriedintoHades,orelsetheywillberecordedasdead.DeadparticipantsmaywalkfromtheplaceoftheirdeathintoHades,butmustholdtheirweaponovertheirheadtosignifytheirconditiontootherparticipants.Deadparticipantsarenotallowedtocommunicatetolivingparticipants,excepttonodwhenaskediftheyaredead.Relics(seeRelicsinChapterSeven)maybegiventotheHadesEldertoberecharged.OnlylivingparticipantsmaygiveaRelictotheHadesElder,andRelicsmayneverbetakenintoHadesbyadeadparticipant.OncethetimehasexpiredfortheRelictoberecharged,theHadesEldermayreleasetheRelictoanylivingparticipant,outsideofHades,whowishestoclaimit.ThestandardtimesthatmustbespentinHadestorestorearmor,wounds,etc.arelistedbelow.LightWound:4minutesMortalWound:8minutesDeath:12minutesRelicRecharge:4minutes/chargeShieldandArmorRepair:4minutesUptooneshield(ortwobucklers),onefullsetofarmor,onereliccharge,andfourlightwounds(oronemortalwound)onasingleparticipantmaybehealed/repairedsimultaneously.Thismaybealteredorreplacedonanevent-by-eventbasisatthediscretionoftheEventElder(s),HadesElder(s),and/orEventHost(s),withpriorapprovalfromtheSenateorBoard.

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SpecialCombatRules

HoldsAnytimethatanEldercalls“Hold!”combatistoceaseimmediatelyandallparticipantsmustkneelorsquat.Allcombatantsmustfreezeinplaceassoonastheyheartheholdinstituted.Participantsmustremainfrozenuntildirectedto“LayOn!”byanElder.AnyonewhoisnotanEldershouldrefrainfromcallingahold,exceptincasesofanemergency,forexample,aninjury.

FightingatNightNomeleeweaponsareconsideredlegaltotheheadatnightduringevents.Also,nomissileweaponsarelegalatnight.

Non-WeaponTacticsThereareseveralcombattacticsthatparticipantsarepermittedtousethatdonotrequiretheuseofaweaponknownasnon-weapontactics.Participantsareallowedtograbshields,non-strikingsurfacesofweapons(shaftofaspear,chainofaflail,etc.),andthebodypartsofotherparticipants.Participantsarealsoallowedtotackleandgrapplewithotherparticipants;however,agrapplingparticipantmaynotstriketheheadorneckofanotherparticipant,normaythatparticipantuseanyneckorjointlocks.‘Shieldbashing’ispermitted,butitmustbeperformedbypushingorbashingintoanopponentwiththeflatoftheshield.Participantsmayneverstrikeanopponentwiththeedgeofashield.Youmayonlyshieldbashortackleanopponentfromthefront.Itisalsopermissibleforaparticipanttopushkicktheflatofanopponent’sshieldfromthefrontwithonefoot,aslongastheotherfootisplantedontheground.Participantsmaynotperformashieldkickorshieldbashtoanopponentonhisknees.Participantsmaynotpunch,slap,orkickthebodyofanotherparticipant.Aparticipantmaynotgraborpullonthecostume,neck,orhairofanotherparticipant.Grabbingorpinningthestrikingsurfaceofanedgedorspikedweaponisillegalandwillresultinamortalwound(thisincludesaparticipantattemptingtopinthebladeofaweaponunderhisarm)unlesstheparticipantsecurescontroloftheweaponfirst.Commonsenseandsafetyshouldalwaysbeaparticipant’sfirstprioritywhenengaginginanynon-weapontactic.Participantsshouldavoidbeingexcessivelyroughwithoneanother.Heavilyarmoredparticipantsmaynotinitiategrapplingwithmorelightlyarmoredopponents.However,itshouldbenotedthatcertainnon-weapontacticsmayinstigateagrapplingsituation,suchasshieldbashing,shieldpressing,thegrabbingofweaponsand/orarmor,etc.Inthiscase,theparticipantreceivingthebashing,pressing,orgrabbingmayinitiategrappling,regardlessofarmortype.ParticipantswhoaredeterminedtobeactinginanunsafemannerbyanElderwillbereprimandedandpunished.

CaptivesIncertainrole-playinginstances,participantsmaywanttotieupotherparticipantsascaptives.Physicalbondsarenotpermitted.Onefootofropeatleast¼”thick,orrubbermanaclesorrubbermedievalhandcuffsmaybeusedasarepresentationofbonds.Toapplythebonds,thecapturingparticipantmustplacebothhandsonthecaptive’shandsforacountof30secondsandmuststate,“Iamnthlevel,thisismyrope.Youarebeingbound.Youarenowboundandgagged.”Thecaptivemustthenholdtherope,butmaynotactuallybe‘bound.’Anotherparticipantmayreleasethecaptivebyholdingthearmsofthecaptiveanduntyingtheknots;alternately,hecanuseanedgedweapontocutthebonds.Additionally,iftheboundparticipanthasanedgedweapononhisperson,hemaycuthimselffree.Eachoftheseactionstakes30seconds.Forsafety,thecaptiveparticipantmustbeabletophysicallyfreehimselfatalltimesandmayleaveifhefeelsthreatenedinanoutofgamesense.Participantsmayphysicallysearchotherdeadparticipants,however,allparticipantsareprohibitedfromsearchingfororhidingin-gameitemsinsensitiveareasofthebodysuchasthegroin,breasts,orbuttocks.Aparticipantattemptingtosearchadeadparticipantmustsay,"Iamnotathief,mayIsearchyourbody?"Iftheanswerisyes,theymayphysicallysearchtheparticipant.Iftheanswerisno,thesearchermustsay,"Iamnotathief,Iamsearchingthe[object]onyour[location],"wheretheobjectisaparticularcontainerorpieceofgearsuchasaspecificpouch,pocket,orarticleofvisibleclothing,andthe[location]isoneofthe

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basicthiefsearchlocations.Forexample,"Iamsearchingthebraceronyourrightarm,"or"Iamsearchingthetunicsleeveonyourrightarm."Thedeadparticipantwouldberequiredtogiveupanyin-gameitem(s)inthatlocation.

FortificationsCastles,towers,andkeepsareanimportantpartofDarkon.Theyrequireagreateruseofstrategyandraisethelevelofcompetition,becausethevictoriousteamgainsnotonlythecastle,keep,ortower,butalsowhateverhappenstobeinthem(banners,relics,treasure,andsoon).Fortificationsarebuiltbytheparticipantswhileinthefield.Beforebuilding,participantsshouldmakesuretheareaissafebyclearinganydebris(rocks,branches,etc.).Fortificationsshouldbeconstructedofbranches,logs,deadvines,brush,andrope.Branchesshouldalsonotbeplacedverticallyinthewalls,astheyhaveatendencytoactasspikes.Alternatively,structurescanberepresentedbyaropedoffareaofanappropriatesizeforbattle.Theropeshouldbeaffixedtopolesortreeswheneverpossibleandbethreetofourfeetofftheground.Theremustbeanopenareaofnolessthan3’atthebaseof90%ofthefortificationtoallowfortheuseofthe‘ClimbWalls’Thiefskill(seeChapterFive:TypesofCharacters).Regardlessofthemethodofconstruction,theoutsideboundariesrepresent20foothigh‘walls.’Structuresmayhaveasmanywalls,inwhatevershape,asdesired;however,anyinternalwallsmaybefoughtovernormally.Astructuremaynothavearoof.Everystructuremusthaveatleastonegatebutafortificationmayhaveasmanyadditionalgatesasthebuilders’desire.Gatesmustbeatleast5’wide.Participantsmaynormallyonlyenterandexitastructurethroughitsgate.Eachgatemustbeplacedsothatitcanberammedfromanoutsideforce;therefore,gatesmaynotbeplacedinline,butrathermustbespreadacrossthesideofthefort.AOEdoesnotpassthroughfortificationwalls.Forexample,ifa‘Fireball’landsoutsideofatower,theinhabitantsarenotaffected.Conversely,ifa‘DispelMagic’iscastinsideafortification,ithasnoeffectonsomeonestandingoutsideofthewall.Themainadvantagethatafortificationprovidesistogivetheteaminsideprotectionfromthewalls,whileleavingtheoutsideteamatadisadvantage.Missileweapons,siegeweapons,andspellballsmustbefiredoverastructure’swallsata45°angleifbeingfiredintothestructure.Theymaybefiredstraightthroughanopengate.Ifattackingfromwithinthestructuretotheoutside,missileweaponsmaybefiredstraightatalltimesiftheattackerisadjacenttothewallofthefortification.Additionally,participantswithinthestructuremayusethrustingweaponsofatleast7’toattacktheoppositionoutsidethestructure'swalls.Whenastructureisundersiege,theattackingteammustenterthroughthegate(withtheexceptionofthosewiththe‘ClimbWalls’skillor‘Passwall’spell;seeChapterFive:TypesofCharacters).Allgatesareconsideredclosedbybeingbarredfromtheinside.Foraparticipanttoexitthestructure,thegatemustbeopenedfromtheinsidefirst.Agatemaynotbe‘locked,’exceptbymagic.Therefore,ifaparticipantclimbsthewallsofastructure,heisthenfreetothrowthegateopenfromtheinside.Gatesmaybedestroyedthroughseveralmeans:ahitfromasiegeweapon(seeChapterThree:ArmsandArmor),spelleffects(seeChapterSix:SpellsandMagic),orthroughtheuseofabatteringram.Abatteringramisrepresentedbyalargepieceofwood,8to12feetinlength,andmustbemannedbyatleastfiveparticipantswhomusthavebothhandsfreeandmaynotbewounded.Theparticipantsmustholdthebatteringramfirmlyandmakeatleastaten-stepchargeintothegateanddeliverasolidhit.Threesolidhitstothegatewilldestroyit.Asinglehitfromanygreenweapon(siegeweaponorFireball)willdestroyagate;threeLightningBoltswillalsodestroyagate.Onceagateisdestroyed,therepresentationofthegatemustbemovedtoanopenpositionimmediately,whichmaybedonebyanyparticipantonthefieldallowingparticipantstoenterorexitthroughthegatefreely.Ifadestroyedgateisrepairedormendedinanyway,thegateisconsideredopenuntilitcanbeclosedfromtheinside.

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Chapter Five TypesofCharactersWhendecidingwhichkindofcharacterthattheywishtoplay,participantsmaychoosefromanyofthefollowingcharactertypes.ThesearetheonlycharactertypesthatarerecognizedinDarkonandaparticipantmustchooseoneofthem.Participantsarepermittedtohaveasmanycharactersofdifferingtypesastheywish,butcanplayonlyoneofthemperevent.Eachtypeofcharacterisunique,andeachwillgiveparticipantsdifferentabilities.Abilitiesareskillsandspells,whichcharactersgainthroughtheirachievementinRanks.Uponobtaininganewrank,participantcharacterswillbepermittedtousealloftheskillsand/orspellsassignedtothatrank,inadditiontoallabilitiestheyhavegainedfrompreviousranks.Skillsaredescribedwithinthedescriptionofeachcharactertype,whilespellswillbedetailedinChapterSix:SpellsandMagic.

FightersFightersarethegeneric‘warriors’oftheRealm.FightersarebyfarthemostpopularclassinDarkon,andthebulkofmanycountryarmiesarecomprisedofthem.Theyarepermittedtowieldanyweapon,useanysizeshield,donanyarmor,andwearanystyleofcostume.At1strank,aFightergainstheskillof‘ShieldBreak’.ThisskillallowsaFightertobreakshieldswithaselectlistofweapons.InthehandsofaFighter,aBattleAxe,BlackGlaive,orYellowweaponwitha5’overalllength(exceptforquarterstavesandBars)arecapableofdestroyingshields.ClubsandMacesrequireastrikingsurface4”indiameter.Forinformationonhowtoperforma‘ShieldBreak,’refertotheShieldssectionoftheDarkonrulebookinChapterThree.At8thrank,aFightergainsthe‘FirstAid’skill.FirstAidallowsaFightertobindlightwoundsonhimselforothers.Tousethisskill,theFightermusttieawhiteclothbandage,atleast3"wide,witharedcrossonitaroundthewoundedlimb.Thelimbisstillconsideredtohavealightwoundbutcannowbeused.Ifthelimbiswoundedagain,regardlessofarmor,theparticipantisconsideredmortallywounded.Iftheadditionalwoundtothelimbwasdealtbyayellowweapon,thenthelimbisunusable,buttheparticipantisnotconsideredtobemortallywounded.Ifthebandagedlimbgoes5minuteswithoutbeingagainwounded,thewoundisconsideredfullyhealed.FirstAidmaybeusedtostabilizeamortallywoundedplayer.Todoso,thebandagemustbetiedaroundthewoundedplayer’sheadlikeaheadband.Stabilizingamortallywoundedplayeronlyremovesthe5-minutedeathcountdown–allotherrulesinvolvingmortalwoundsstillapplytotheplayer.AFightermaynotapplyFirstAidtostabilizehimself.Alsoat8thrank,aFightergainstheskillof‘ShieldRepair,’whichallowshimtorepairhisownshield.Toperformthisskill,aFightermusttakeoffhisdamagedordestroyedshield.Afterrole-playing(pretendingtobendmetal,fixstraps,andgrumbling)overtheshieldfortwominutes,theshieldisfullyrestored.Thiscanbedonetoanyoneshieldonce.Thisskilldoesnotworkonsiegeweapons,batteringrams,theShieldspell,Relics,oranythingotherthannormalshields.Thisskillcanonlybeusedononeshieldatatime.At10thrank,aFightergainstheskillof‘ArmorRepair.’ThisskillissimilartoShieldRepair,exceptthatitisusedtorepairaFighter’sownarmor.Eachpieceofarmorisconsideredseparate,andmustberemovedfromtheFighter’sbody.Onlyonepieceofarmormayberepairedatatime.At12thrank,aFightermayrepairthearmorandshieldsofotherparticipantswithhisRepairskills.

RangersRangersarefightercharacterswhoareadepttonaturalorwoodlandsurroundings.Theymayuseanyweapons,andmaywearanyarmoruptoAC3armorclass.Rangersmayuseanyshapeshield,solongasthelargestdimensionoftheshielddoesnotexceed36”.AllRangershavethe‘Tracking’skillat1strank.ThisskillallowstheRangertosearchforscents,footprints,oranyothersignsofdisturbanceinanarea.TheRangermaygaininformationonanyparties(i.e.partysize,typeofcreatures,directiontraveled),whichmayhavepassedthroughanarea.AnEldermustbepresent,whowilldeterminewhatinformationisgainedandinformtheRanger.

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Alsoat1strank,aRangermaycast‘Light.’At2ndrank,aRangermaycast‘FeignDeath’.At3rdrank,aRangermayperforma‘LandSearch.’Throughtheprocessoflandsearching,acountrymayexploreunclaimedlandandexpanditsbordersontheDarkonRealmMap(seeChapterEight:LandRules).At4thrank,theRangergainsImmunitytotheEntanglespell.Whenhit,theRangermaycallout“nthRankRanger,”andcontinueonhisway.At5thrank,aRangermaycast‘CureLightWounds’.At7thrank,aRangermaycast‘NeutralizePoison.’At9thrank,aRangermaycast‘PersonalMagicWeapon.’At10thrank,aRangergainsImmunitytotheNatureLovespell.At15thrank,aRangergainstheability‘Sniper’.Whenfiringarrowsoverafortificationwall,heisnotrequiredtoarchisshotsata45ºangle.TheRangermustyell"Sniper!"whenfiringoverawall.Alsoat15thrank,aRangergainstheabilityof‘Scouting’,gatheringallinformationonasearchablehexpriortotheircountry’sLandaction.ThisdemonstratesthescoutingabilityofahighlevelRanger.TheRangerwillbeabletoinvestigatethelandandreportbacktohisorhercountrywithallinformationonthehexpriortotheirlandsearchaction.Thisincludesallmonsters,ruinsandresourcesasapplicable.The15th(orabove)levelRangermustattendandrollthelandsearchbeforethecloseofcheck-in.TheywillthenbetoldtheresultsoftheirsearchbytheLandMarshallimmediatelyfollowingtheroll,andmayreportbacktotheircountrywiththisinformation.ThecountrymaythenchoosethenumberofmemberstosendtotheirlandsearchactionbasedonthedatatheRangerprovides.TheRangerwhoscoutedtheareamustbetheRangerwhoattendsthelandsearchaction.At25thrank,theRangergains‘Exploration’.ThisruledemonstratestheRangersskillatnavigatingnewterritoryandfindingthe“pathofleastresistance”.The25th(orabove)levelRangermustattendandrollthelandsearchbeforethecloseofcheck-in.TheymayrolltwiceontheMonsterEncounterTable,andaregiventheresultsofbothrolls.TheRangermaythenchoosewhichencountertheywishtotake.Anybonusesassociatedwiththechosenencounterareappliedasnormal.TheRangerwhoexploredtheareamustbetheRangerwhoattendsthelandsearch.ExplorationstacksontopoftheRangers"Scouting"ability,sothe25thlevelrangergainsalltheinformationinScoutinginadditiontotheabilitytorolltwiceontheMonsterEncounterTableIfthesearchissuccessful,therollthatisnotusedintheencounterisdroppedanddoesnotremainonthathexforanyreason,ingameplayitisassumedthemonstereventuallymovedontootherground.Ifthehexiseverrelinquishedbackintoplay(i.e.ifthecountrybecomesdefunct),thehexrevertsbacktoemptyasperlandrules.Ifthesearchisunsuccessfulbothmonstersremainonthehexforfuturesearches.ARangerof25thlevelmaychoosetheencounter.AlowerlevelRangerissubjecttorollingonapercentiledicewith50%probabilityofeitherencounter.TheLandMarshallwilldeterminewhichencounterishighandwhichislowatthetimeoftheroll.Inaddition,thelowerlevelrangerisnotinformedofthenumberofmonstersonthehex.Ingameplayterms,heorshehasonlysearchedonepaththroughthehex,andthemonstertheyencounteristhefirstonetheysee.

ClericsClericsarecharacterswhoaredrivenbytheirservicetoadeityandarethemostpowerfulhealersintheRealm.Clericsarerestrictedtousingonlyblunt(yellow)weaponsanddaggers.Theymaywearanytypeofarmorandmayuseanysizeandshapeofshield.AClericmustwearaholysymbolaspartofhiscostume.AllClericsmaycast‘CureLightWounds’and‘Light’at1strank.

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At2ndrank,aClericmaycast‘SpeakwithDead’,‘TruthSpeak’,and‘Sanctuary.’At3rdrank,aClericmaycast‘Consecrate/Desecrate’.At4thrank,aClericmaycast‘WordofHolding’and‘CureDisease.’At5thrank,aClericmaycast‘CureSeriousWounds’and‘NeutralizePoison.’At6thrank,aClericmaycast‘PrayerTouch.’At7thrank,aClericmaycast‘CureMortalWounds.’At8thrank,aClericmaycast‘Create/DestroyHolyWeapon’and‘TurnUndead.’At9thrank,aClericmaycast‘Curse’and‘LastRites.’At10thrank,aClericmaycast‘Resurrection.’Theymayalsobrewpotionsorscribescrolls(seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems)andgainstheabilitytosetupahospice.AhospiceworkssimilartoHadesinthatspendingtimeinahospicewillhealwounds.Tosetupahospice,aclericmustdonawhitecapeatleast1’x2’bearingalargeredcrossandroleplaytheactofadministeringaidtothoseundertheircare(calledwards).Wardsmustremainlyingdownwithin10’oftheclerictoreceivethebenefitsofthehospice.Aclericmaytendtoanumberofwardsequalto½oftheirlevelroundeduptoamaximumof10wards.Neithertheclericnoranywardsmayholdanyweaponswhilerunningahospice.Iftheyshouldpickuptheirweapons,allbenefitsofthehospicearelostandanyuncuredwoundsonthewardsremainandthosethatweremortallywoundedbeginbleedingoutagainandwilldiein5minutes.Aclericmayhowevercastanyspellsfromtheirspelllist,ontheirwardsonly,whilerunningahospice.BelowarelistedthetimeittakesforHospiceenactspecificeffects:CureLightWound:4minutesCureMortalWound:8minutesNeutralizePoison:2minutesCureDisease:8minutesIfasecondClericofanylevelassistsintheactofrole-playingcareforthewards,thehealingtimesarehalvedsolongasbothclericscontinuetoworktogethertoactoutcarefortheentirereducedhealingtime.Theassistingclericisboundbythesamecombatrestrictionsastheprimaryclericwhileheisassistinginthehospice.

DruidsDruidsarecharacterswhoworshipnatureaboveallelse.TheweaponsthatarepermittedforusebyDruidsareallwhiteweapons,bars,clubs,bows,crossbows,quarterstaves,spears,javelins,anddaggers.Druidsarerestrictedtowearingarmormadeonlyfromleather,whetherLeatherorLeatherScalefromAC1,orHidefromAC2;orpaddedarmor(cloth).Druidsmayuseanyshapeshield,solongasthelargestdimensiondoesnotexceed36”.Druidsmustwearanaturesymboltosignifytheircharactertype.At1strank,Druidsmaycast‘FeignDeath’and‘Light.’At2ndrank,aDruidmaycast‘Mending’and‘DetectTraps.’At3rdrank,aDruidmaycast‘CureLightWounds’and‘ProtectionfromLightning.’At4thrank,aDruidmaycast‘LightningBolt.’At5thrank,aDruidmaycast‘Barkskin’and‘NeutralizePoison.’

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At6thrank,aDruidmaycast‘WarpWood’.At7thrank,aDruidmaycast‘CureSeriousWounds’,‘CureDisease’,and‘CommunewithNature.’At8thrank,aDruidmaycast‘DispelMagic’and‘Entangle.’At10thrank,aDruidmaycast‘MagicalStone’and‘NatureLove.’Theymayalsobrewpotionsorscribescrolls(seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems).

MagesMagesarecharacterswhodevotetheirlivestothestudyofmagicandspells.Magesarepermittedtouseonlywhiteswords,non-chainedyellow,anddaggers.Magesmaynotweararmorofanykind,noruseanytypeofshield.MagescancastthemostpowerfuloffensivemagicintheRealm.Magesmustwearanarcanesymboltosignifytheircharactertype.At1strank,aMagemaycast‘FeignDeath’,‘FrostSpike’,‘Mending’,‘DetectMagic’,and‘Light’.At2ndrank,aMagemaycast‘MagicShield’,‘TruthSpeak,’‘MagicMissile’,and‘ComprehendLanguages’.At3rdrank,aMagemaycast‘BurningHands’,‘ProtectionfromLightning’,and‘DetectTraps’.At4thrank,aMagemaycast‘LightningBolt’,‘HoldPortal’,and‘ProtectionfromIce’.At5thrank,aMagemaycast‘DispelMagic’,‘IceStorm’,and‘ReleasePortal’.At6thrank,aMagemaycast‘Stoneskin’and‘FeebleMind’.At7thrank,aMagemaycast‘ProtectionfromFire’,‘Growth’,and‘LegendLore’.At8thrank,aMagemaycast‘Fireball’,‘ChargeItem’,and‘GaseousForm’.At9thrank,aMagemaycast‘Passwall’,‘AnimateDead’,and‘Create/DestroyMagicWeapon’.At10thrank,aMagemaycast‘Steelskin‘,‘Pouch’,and‘SpellofShielding’.Theymayalsobrewpotionsorscribescrolls(seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems).

ThievesThiefcharactersaremastersofstealthanddisguise.Theyarelimitedintheirarmor,shield,andweaponchoicesduetotheirneedforstealthandagility.Thieves(andAssassins)mayuseanyweaponexceptchainedyellowweapons,blackweapons,andanyweaponexceeding4'inlength(Missileweaponsareexcludedfromthe4'restriction).Thievesmaygarbthemselvesinanystyleofcostume,fromawizard’srobestosilkandlace,buttheymustwearaskeletonkeyontheirpersonasasymboloftheircharactertype.ThievesmayweararmorofnogreaterthanAC2,andmayuseashieldofanyshape,solongasitdoesnothaveanydimensionexceeding24”.AllThieveshavethe‘Looting’skillat1strank.ThisskillallowstheThieftoquicklysearchthebodiesofotherparticipantsandNPCsforlootandtreasure.Thebodybeingsearchedmustbedeadorcompletelyincapacitated(paralyzed,agonypoisoned,Entangled,affectedbyHoldPerson,etc.).MortalorLightwoundsalonedonotmakeonevulnerabletothisskill.Toperformthisskill,theThiefmustpresenthisskeletonkeytothedeadbodyand‘search’eachbodypart(head,torso,limbs)andanybags,pouches,etc.,bynamingtheareatobesearched.Forexample,theThiefpresentshiskeyandsaystothedeadbody,“IamaThief,hereismykey.Doyouhaveanytreasureonyourleftarm?”Bagsandpouchesattachedtothebodylocationareconsideredpartofthatlocation.Forexample,abeltpouchsecuredtoaperson’swaistisconsideredtobepartofthetorso.However,ifashieldorpouchisdroppedawayfromthebody,itmustbelootedseparately.Onceanareaissearched,thedeadcreaturemustgivetheThiefany‘in-play’itemshemayhavesuchascoin,Relics,maps,treasure,andsoon.Ifacharacterorcreatureismortallywounded,heisnotaffectedbytheLootingskill.At2ndrank,aThiefgainsthe‘PickPockets’skill.UnlikeLooting,thisskillallowstheThieftostealobjectsfromthebodiesoflivingcreatures.AnEldermustbepresentfortheThieftousethisskill.TheThiefwillinformtheElderwhichitemheistryingtosteal(this

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mayincludeaparticularsingleitemorthecontentsofabagorpouchheldbyanindividual),andfromwhom.TheThiefmustthen,inthewitnessoftheElder,placehishandontheitemtobestolenorthespecificareawheretheitem(s)arecontained(pouch,boot,shield,etc).Thevictimmustnotbeawareoftheattempt,andcannotbecompletelyincapacitated(paralyzed,agonypoisoned,Entangled,affectedbyHoldPerson,etc.).ThetimeforwhichtheThiefmustremainincontactvariesbyrank:

2nd–10th:15seconds11th–19th:10seconds20th+:5seconds

TheElderwillgivetheThiefapre-determinedsignal,whichwillsignifythatthetaskiscomplete.Sometimelater,theElderwillinformthevictimthathehasbeenstolenfromandretrievefromhimtheitemthatwasstolen.TheElderwillthengivetheitemoritemstotheThiefinprivate.At3rdrank,aThief’sagilityallowshimto‘ClimbWalls.’TheThiefcanclimbany‘wall’ofaDarkonstructure(seeFortificationsinChapterThree),bylyingflatonhisstomachand,beginningatadistanceof10’fromthewall,crawlingtoit.TheThiefcanhavenothinginhishandswhileclimbing.Whenhereachesthewallsafely,theThiefmayenterthestructurebysimplypassingthroughtherope,tapeorwhateverisusedtorepresentthewallitself.IfaThiefiscaughtclimbingawall,hemayonlybeattackedwithmissileweaponsorpolearmsfrominsidethestructurewhileonthewall,and,ifhit,musttakenormaldamageanddropfromthewalllandingoutsidethestructure.AnytimeaThiefjumpsorfallsfromawall,hesuffersalightwoundtobothlegs,regardlessofarmorandinadditiontoanyotherdamagecausedbyaweaponhit.Alsoat3rdrank,aThiefalsogainstheabilityto‘Backstab.’Duetotheirstealth,Thievesmayquietlyapproachtheiropponentsfrombehind,allowingthemanattacktoavulnerablespot.AThiefmaymakeoneBackstabattacktotheiropponents’back(torso),whichisequivalenttotwoRedattacks.Thisattackmustbemadeasasurprisetothevictimandcanonlybeperformedwithadagger.Backstabbingresultsareasfollows:

AC0:DeathAC1:DeathAC2:DeathAC3:MortallyWoundedAC4:ArmorDestroyedStoneskin:DeathIronskin:MortallyWoundedSteelskin:ProtectionDestroyed

At4thrank,aThiefgainstheabilityto‘OpenLocks.’ThisisaskillthatallowsaThieftoopen,orpick,locksorbarreddoors.TheThiefmustbetouchingorholdingherskeletonkeywithanotherwiseemptyhandwhenusingthisability.

At4th-10thrank,theThiefmayopenanon-magicallockin15seconds.At11th-19thrank,theThiefmayopenanon-magicallockin10seconds.Shemayalsounbartheunmannedgateofafortification,allowingthegatetobeopenedfromtheoutside.Anunmannedgateisonewithnoonewithin10'ofitwhowishesittostayclosed.At20thrank,Thievesmayopenanon-magicallockin5seconds.Theycanalsobypassmagicallocksorportals(includingitemsaffectedbyHoldPortal),andcanchoosetoautomaticallylockor“re-bar”anythingthattheybypass.

AtanElder’sdiscretion,thisskilldoesnotfunctionagainstlocksandportalsforwhichaspecificmeansofentryispartoftheAdventureplot.At5thrank,aThiefgainstheskill‘FindandRemoveTraps.’ThisskillallowsaThieftouncovertrapsanddisarmthem.TheThiefmustbetouchingorholdingherskeletonkeywithanotherwiseemptyhandwhenusingthisability,andshouldalwaysinformanElderpriortoitsuse.

Thievesof5th-10thrankcandetectanddisablesmallphysicaltrapssuchaspoisonneedles,trapdoors,etc.Theycanalsodetectlarger,fullroomphysicaltraps,whichmayincludeevenincidentalthingssuchasatunnelnearcollapse.

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Thievesof11th-19thrankcanalsodetect(butnotdisable)magicaltrapssuchasglyphs,stoneguardians,etc.Thievesof20thrankcandetectanddisableanysortoftrap.Theymayalsoelecttobypassatraptheycoulddisarm,leavingitactiveaftertheypassby.

TheeffectofthisskillissubjecttothediscretionofanElder;theuseofthisskillshouldfacilitateandnotsupersedeplotdevelopment.At6thrank,aThiefgainstheskillof‘Disguise’withwhichhemayDisguisehimselfasanyraceorcharactertypethatexistsinthegame.AThiefmaydisguisehimselfasamemberofanothercountry(i.e.wearingtheirsurcoat)butmaynotdisguisehimselfasaspecificcharacter.Whenindisguise,theThiefmustwearsomephysicalrepresentationofthedisguise,forexamplearmor,dress,robes,surcoatofanothercountry,etc.AThiefwillnotgainanyoftheabilitiesofanothercharactertypehemaybedisguisedas.However,theDisguiseskilldoesallowtheThieftoexceedthearmorandshieldrestrictionsofhischaracter.Whileindisguise,aThiefmayweararmorfromuptotheAC3armorclass,anduseanyshieldthatdoesnothaveadimensiongreaterthan36".WhenaThiefexceedshisarmor/shieldrestrictionshecannotuseanyotherThiefabilitiesuntiltheupgradedarmorand/orshieldareremoved,andafter30secondshavepassed.Thisskillreliesheavilyonrole-playing,bothonthepartoftheThief,andtheotherparticipantssurroundinghim.Often,participantswillnoticeadisguisewhenthecharactersdonot;allinvolvedareencouragedtoactasiftheThieffitsnormallyinhissurroundings.At7thrank,aThiefmay‘ReadLanguages’otherthanthecommonDarkoniantongue.ThisskillallowsaThieftoimmediatelytranslateanywrittentextthatshereads.Thisunderstandingisgenerallyplainlanguageonly;itdoesnotautomaticallysolveanypuzzlesorriddles,decodeciphers,oruncoverhiddenmeanings.However,aThiefof20thrankandaboveisevensavvieratdeciphering,andmayreceiveadditionalcluesorhintsatanElder’sdiscretion.At8thrank,Thievesgaintheabilityto‘MakePoison’.AThiefmaymakefivedosesofanytypeofpoison(seePoisoninChapterSeven)perday.Tomakeadoseofpoison,theThiefmustannouncehisintentiontotheMagistrateorMarshalatthebeginningoftheday.HethenmustsupplytheMagistrateorMarshalwithawrittenPoisonWritstatingthetypeofpoisontobemade,itseffects,andduration.Hemustalsopaythefullcostofthepoison.TheMagistrateorMarshalwillsignanddatetheWritandgiveittotheThief.PoisonchartscanbefoundinChapterSeven:SpecialItems.At9thrank,Thievesgaintheabilityto‘ReadMagicalLanguages’asaskill.Inadditiontoreadingnormallanguages,aThiefmaynowtranslatemagicaltexts,andcanreadandcastanyscroll.TheThiefreadsthescrolljustasacasterwould,andmaythenimmediatelycastthespellwrittenonthescroll,followingnormalrulesforscrollreadingandspellcasting.At10thrank,aThiefbecomesaMasterThief,andhis‘Looting’skillimproves.Fromnowon,whenheloots,alllocations(andnearbydroppeditems)aresearchedatonce.TheMasterThiefmustpresenthisskeletonkeytothedeadbodyandsay,“IamaMasterThief;hereismykey.Doyouhaveanytreasure?”At15thrank,Thievesgaintheskill‘DetectDisguises.’ThisskillallowsaThieftoseethatapersonmaynotbewhatorwhomtheyclaimbynoticingflawsinthatperson’sdisguise.Theyarenotabledetecttheactualidentityofthedisguisedcharacter,justthattheyareindeedindisguise.Thisskillcanbeemployedafterobservingorinteractingincharacterwiththesuspectforatleast60continuousseconds.Ifthecharacterismerelyobservingthesuspect,theymustremainwithin10’.After60secondstheThiefstatestothesuspect,“Outofcharacter:IamusingDetectDisguise.”Theparticipantmustthenanswerhonestlyiftheyareindisguise,andcontinueactingastheywere.

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At20thrank,aThiefgainstheskillofThiefPouch.Inordertousethisskill,theThiefmusthaveonhispersonarectangularblackclothpouchwithawhitekeypaintedorembroideredontheoutside.Thispouchmustbenomorethan3"x4",mustlayflatwhenempty(noappreciablethickness/depth),andmustbemadeofanon-stretchyfabric.ThefollowingitemsmaybelegallybeplacedinthePouch:coin,potions,poisons,scrolls,andmiscellaneouswealth(gems,nuggetsofgold,etc.).AnythingthatislegallyplacedinthePouchcannotbeLootedorfoundviaanysortofsearch,andonlytheThieftowhomthePouchbelongsmaytouchorinteractwiththePouchoritscontentsinanyway.TheoneexceptiontothisisthePickPocketsability.ApickpocketingThiefmayinformanElderthattheyaretargetingaspecificcharacter'sPouch,andthengothroughthepickpocketingmotionsasnormal.YoumaynotusethePouchtostoreRelicsoranyitemuniquetoagivenAdventure(ifit'sworthpointsorotherwiseadvancestheplot).WhetheranygivenitemfitsinthiscategoryisentirelyataneventElder'sdiscretion.

AssassinsAssassinsarecharacterswhotraintobeprofessionalkillers.AnAssassinhasthesamerestrictionsonarmor,weapons,shieldsandcostumesastheThief.At1strank,allAssassinsmayusetheskill‘Disguise,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At2ndrank,Assassinsgaintheabilityto‘ClimbWalls,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At3rdrank,Assassinsgaintheabilityto‘Backstab,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At4thrank,Assassinsgaintheabilityto‘OpenLocks,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At5thrank,Assassinsgaintheskill‘FindandRemoveTraps,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At6thrank,Assassinsgaintheabilityto‘Interrogate’anothercharacterinordertoobtaininformation.TheAssassinmustrole-playtheinterrogationwiththevictimforfivecontinuousminutes.Oncethesessioniscomplete,theAssassinmayaskhisvictimonequestion,whichthevictimmustanswertruthfullyandliterallyasperTruthspeak.At7thrank,Assassinsgaintheskill‘DeathStrike’.Astriketoanopponent'storsowithadaggercausesDeath,regardlessofarmor(headbandoractual).UnlikeBackstab,thisattackneednotbebysurpriseorfrombehind.AnAssassinshouldcall"Death!"whenusingthisability.At8thrank,Assassinsmay‘MakePoison’,exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At10thrank,Assassinsgaintheskillto‘DetectDisguises,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.Alsoat10thrank,anAssassingainstheskillof'Assassination'.Duringnon-Resscenarios,opponentsslainbyanAssassinwithadaggerorarrow,whentheweaponisalsopoisonedwithaDeathClassPoison,willremaindeadforafull12minutes.TheResurrectionspellwillhavenoeffect.TheAssassinshouldcall"Assassinate!"astheymakethelethalstrike.Thoseimmunetopoisonarestillassassinatediftheyarekilledbythedamagefromtheweapon.

MonksMonkcharactersstriveforrigorousphysicalandmentaldiscipline.Monksmayuseanyweapons.Monksmaynotwearanyarmororuseanytypeofshield.AllMonkshavetheskillof'MissileDeflection'at1strank.Thisskillallowsthemtousetheirhands,feet,orweapontopurposefullydeflectanyincomingnon-magicalmissileweapon.TheMonkmaydeflecttheArrowofPiercing,butnottheJavelinofLightning(seeRelicsinChapterseven).TheMonkmaynotdeflectanyspellorspelllikeeffect.IftheMonkisstruckunaware,missesthemissile,orattemptstousethisskillwithanybodypartotherthanhishandsorfeet,normaldamageistaken.Monksusingthisskillshouldcallout"Monk,"uponmakingadeflection.

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Alsoat1strank,aMonkmaycast'Light.'Alsoat1strank,theMonkgainstheskillofunarmedfighting.Asarepresentationofunarmedfightingskill,theparticipantusesoneortwominimumlengthbars(12"lengthblade+6"handle)markedwithorangetapeinavisiblemanner(abovethehandleorontheshaft).ThesedoYellowdamage,mustalsobearyellowmarkingtape(visibleasabove)andmayhaveYellowstabtips.Atnotimemayaparticipantusetheskillofunarmedfightingwithoutsuchabar.Themonkisconsideredunarmedforroleplayingpurposes,andthebarscannotbe"dropped"orlost.At2ndrank,aMonkgainsthe‘FeignDeath’skillandmayusethisskillinstantaneously.ThisskillhasthesameeffectastheFeignDeathspell(seeFeignDeathinChapterSix).Alsoat2ndrank,Monksalsogaintheskillof‘ImmunitytoDisease.’Thisgivesthemimmunitytodiseasessuchasleprosy,consumption,rabies,lycanthropy,plagues,etc.AnEldermaydeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisskill.At3rdrank,MonksobtainLeatherSkin.Thisabilitygivesthemtheequivalentofleatherarmor(AC1)fromheadtotoeatalltimes.AMonkwiththisabilitymustwearvisiblyafavor—representedbyastripoforangeclothatleast3”wideby12”long,withabluecircleonit.Alternately,aMonkmaywearanorangeheadbandatleast1”widewithabluecircleinthecenter.At4thrank,aMonkgainstheabilityto‘CureLightWounds’onhimselfonly.Toperformthisskill,theMonkmustmeditatefor60secondswithoutinterruption.Duringmeditation,theMonkisnotpermittedtomoveorspeak.Oncecompleted,theMonkhasfullyhealedonelightwoundanywhereonhisbody.ThisskillalsorestoresanydamagetakentotheMonk’sleatherarmorskinfromtheLeatherSkinskill.At7thrank,aMonkgainstheskill‘ImmunitytoMindControl,’whichmakeshimtotallyimmunetoanykindofmindcontrolincludingcharm,hypnosis,illusions,suggestion,NatureLove,FeebleMindandtheTruthSpeakspell.ThisdoesnotgiveMonkstheabilitytodetecttheuseoftheDisguiseskill,nordoesitmakethemimmunetotheSpeakwithDeadspellortheInterrogateability.At8thrank,Monksgaintheskillof‘ImmunitytoPoison.’Theyareimmunetoanytypeofpoisonincludingcontact,insinuative,ingestive,gas,ormonstervenom.AnEldermaydeterminetheexacteffectivenessofanyimmunity.At9thrank,Monksgaintheabilityto‘ClimbWalls,’exactlyasdescribedforThieves.At10thrank,aMonkmaystrikewithanyweaponasifitwereenchantedbytheCreateMagicWeaponspell.AMonkmaynotloanhisweaponawayandhaveitconsideredtobeenchanted;thisskillisderivedfromtheMonkhimself,nottheweapon.At15thrank,MonksobtainIronskin.ThisallowsthemtoabsorbthedamagefromoneattackasperStoneskin.ThisabilitylayerswithLeatherSkin,butisappliedtothefirststriketheMonkreceives(i.e.itisconsideredanouterlayerofprotection,andisexpendedbeforetheLeatherSkin).AMonkmustmeditateforanadditionalminutetoregainIronskin.AMonkwiththisabilitymustvisiblywearafavor—representedbyastripoforangeclothatleast3”wideby12”long,with2bluecirclesonit.Alternately,aMonkmaywearanorangeheadbandatleast1”widewith2bluecirclesinthecenter.

CavaliersCavalierisarestrictedclass.AnycharacterthathasobtainedOrderofTheSword(OSW)maycreateaCavalierbysacrificingaclassofatleast10thrank.Thesecharactersarezealousmartialchampionsofaparticulargodorideal.Cavaliersmayuseanyweapon,anyarmor,andanytypeofshield,andtheymustwearaholysymbolaspartoftheircostumes.At1strank,aCavaliergainsthe‘ShieldBreak’skill.ACavalier'sShieldBreakworksthesameasaFighter'smentionedabove.Alsoat1strank,allCavaliersreceive'ImmunitytoDisease'.Thisgivesthemimmunitytodiseasessuchasleprosy,consumption,rabies,lycanthropy,plagues,etc.AnEldermaydeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisskill.Alsoat1strank,allCavaliersmaycast'CureLightWounds',‘CureDisease’,and‘Light’.

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At2ndrank,aCavaliermaycast‘SpeakwithDead’and‘PurifyFoodandDrink’.At3rdrank,aCavaliermaycast‘TruthSpeak,’and‘Sanctuary’.At8thrank,aCavaliermaycast‘LastRites’and‘TurnUndead’.At15thrank,atthebeginningofeachevent,aCavaliermayselectasinglemeleeweapontowhichheorshewillattune.Inherhands,itwillfunctionasaHolyweapon(seetheClericspellCreate/DestroyHolyWeapon).TheweaponwillonlyfunctionasanormalweaponforanyoneotherthanthatCavalier.

WarriorMageWarriorMagesarecharactersthathavedividedtheirtimebetweenmartialpursuitsandthestudyofthearcane.Theyarenotpermittedtouseashieldofanykind,buttheymayuseanyweapon.TheymayweararmorofnogreaterthanAC2.AllspellsareastheMageversions.At1strank,theymaycastthespells‘FeignDeath’,‘DetectMagic’,and‘Light’,andmayuseitemsusablebyMages(thisincludesMagescrolls).At2ndrank,theymaycast‘Mending’and‘ComprehendLanguages’.At3rdrank,theymaycast‘Truthspeak’and‘DetectTraps’.At4thrank,theymaycast‘HoldPortal'.At5thrank,theymaycast‘ReleasePortal’and‘MagicShield’.At6thrank,theymaycast‘DispelMagic’.At7thrank,theygaintheskillof‘FirstAid’,exactlyasdescribedforFighters,andmaycast‘LegendLore’and‘Stoneskin’(whichtheycannotusewitharmor).At8thrank,theymaycast‘ChargeItem’and‘Growth’.At9thrank,theymaycast‘MagicMissile.’At10thrank,theymaybrewpotionsorscribescrolls(seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems).Alsoat10thrank,theWarriorMagegainstheabilitytomergetheirarcaneknowledgeandtheirskillwithweapons,gainingthe‘TrueStrike’ability.Atthebeginningofeachevent,aWarriorMagemayselectasinglemeleeweapontowhichheorshewillattune.TheweaponwillonlyfunctionasanormalweaponforanyoneotherthanthatWarriorMage.Theweapon’sstrikingsurfaceshouldbecoveredingoldcloth.Alternately,theweaponmaybemarkedwithastripofgoldmetallictape(abovethehandleorontheshaft).Inherhands,itwillfunctionasaMagicweapon(seetheMagespellCreate/DestroyMagicWeapon).Additionally,ifanNPChasavulnerabilitytoacertaindamageortypeofattack(cold,Holy,silver,fire,etc.)TrueStrikeisconsideredtododamageofthattype.Whenusingthisability,theWarriorMageshouldcall"True"andthentheweaponcolor.At15thrank,theymayuseTrueStrikeonmissileweaponsaswell.Bowsandcrossbowssoaffectedtransfertheeffecttotheirammunitionwhenfired.

Barbarian

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Barbariansarelightlyarmoredwarriorswhorelyontoughnessandmobilityincombat.Barbariansmayuseanyweaponsandbucklersorshieldsnogreaterthan30”inanysingledimension.BarbariansmaywearAR1orAR2armor.Barbariansshunmagicandmaynotreceivetheeffectsofanybeneficialspellswhilealive.Armor,weaponsandotheritemscarriedbytheBarbarianmaybeaffected.Barbariansareableto"swingonropes"duringshipbattles.At1stRankBarbariansgaintheability‘ShieldBreak’.At3rdRankBarbariansgaintheability‘CureLightWounds’.ToperformthistheBarbarianmustrestforoneminute.ThisabilityhealsonelightwoundontheBarbarian.At4rdRankBarbariansgaintheability‘ClimbWalls’.At5thRankBarbariansgaintheability‘Toughness’andcanabsorbthedamagefromanyonehitasperthespellStoneskin.WhentheBarbarianisstruckshemustshout"Stoneskin"toacknowledgetheabsorbedhit.Restingforoneminuteregainsthisability.Thisabilitymaynotbeusedwhilewearingarmor.ABarbarianusingthisabilitymustvisiblywearablackfavoratleast2”wideby12”longwithonebrowncircleonit.AlternatelyaBarbarianmaywearablackheadbandatleast1”widewithonebrowncircleonit.At7thRankBarbariansgaineffectivenessagainstgiantsandarepermanentlyundertheeffectofthespellGrowthwhenbattlingNPCs.At9thRankBarbariansgaintheability‘ImmunitytoPoison’.TheexacteffectivenessofthisabilityisdeterminedbyanElder.At10thRankBarbariansgaintheability‘StalwartSpirit'.Thisallowsthemtoabsorbthedamageoreffectfromanyonenon-greendamagespell.WhentheBarbarianabsorbsamagicaleffectshemustshout"StalwartSpirit"toacknowledgetheabsorbedhit.NoteinregardstoAOEspells,onlytheBarbarianisimmunetotheeffects.Restingforoneminuteregainsthisability.ABarbarianusingthisabilitymustvisiblywearablackfavoratleast2”wideby12”longwithtwobrowncirclesonit.AlternatelyaBarbarianmaywearablackheadbandatleast1”widewithtwobrowncirclesonit.

Non-ParticipantCharactersDuringadventures,andoccasionallyduringregulardayevents,non-participantcharacters(NPCs)ormonstersmaytakethefield.NPCsareparticipantswhoarerole-playingacharacterotherthantheirnormalcharacterandcanbeanytypeofhumanoid,non-human,characterclass,etc.Additionally,monstersareoftenusedbyElderstorepresentanoppositionforceonthefield;forexample,monsterscanbeusedtofightLandSearchPartiesoradventurersduringadayadventure.MonstersandNPCsoftenhavespecialpowers,takedifferenthits,etc.TheEldersoftheeventwilldefinetheexactpowersandabilitiesofanyNPCsormonsterspresentintheevent.

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Chapter Six SpellsandMagicSpellsandmagicarewhatmakeDarkonafantasygame,ratherthananotherwargame.Certaincharactertypesaregrantedaccesstoanumberofspells.Clerics,MagesandDruidsareconsideredtobe‘primary’spellcasters;however,Rangers,Monks,Cavaliers,andWarriorMageseachhavelimitedaccesstospelluseaswell.Spellsarespecialabilitiesthatcauseaspecificeffecttohappenduringgameplay.

SpellBooksParticipantsarerequiredtomaintaintheirspellsinabookoronscrolls.Allspellbooksorscrollsmusthaveamedieval/fantasyperiodappearanceandmustbewrittenorprintedlegibly.Aspellmustbewritteninacaster’sspellbookinorderforthatparticipanttocastthespell;castersmaynotcastspellsfromanotherparticipant’sspellbook.TheSpellMarshalwillinspecteachcaster’sspellbookduringcheck-in.Spellbooksareconsideredpersonalpropertyandmaynotbetakenorstolenfromthecaster.Spellsareactuallywrittenbytheparticipantsthemselves.Eachspellisassignedaspelllength,whichistheminimumnumberofsyllablesthatthespellmustcontaininordertobecast.Participantshavethelibertytowritewhatevertheywishfortheirspellsandtheymayconsistofastory,poem,orgeneralramblings.Itmaybethepraiseofone’sdeityorthecurseofone’senemy.Participantsareonlylimitedbytheirimagination,buteachspellmustbewrittenoutfullyandanylineorphrasemaynotberepeatedmorethanfivetimesperspell.However,participantsmaynotusemodernreferencesintheirspells.Manyspellshaveaninvocationline,which,ifpresent,mustbethelastlineinthespelltext.Invocationlines,ifany,aredetailedinthespell’sdescription.

SpellReductionsAsparticipantsprogressthoughcharacterranks,theywillbepermittedtoreducethelengthsoftheirspells.Spellswillreduceinlengthbeginningat6thrankwiththereductionofallfirstrankspellsbytenpercent,andconcludingat20thrankwhenallfirstthroughtenthrankspellswillbeonlyhalftheiroriginallength;spellsmaynotbereducedbeyond50%oftheiroriginallength.Rank&Reduction1-None2-None3-None4-None5-None6-Reduce1stRank10%7-Reduce1st-2ndRank10%8-Reduce1st-3rdRank10%9-Reduce1st-4thRank10%10-Reduce1st-5thRank10%11-Reduce2nd-5thRank10%12-Reduce3rd-6thRank10%13-Reduce4th-7thRank10%14-Reduce5th-8thRank10%15-Reduce6th-9thRank10%16-Reduce6th-10thRank10%17-Reduce7th-10thRank10%18-Reduce8th-10thRank10%19-Reduce9th-10thRank10%20-Reduce10thRank10%

CastingaSpellInorderforaparticipanttocastaspell,hemustreadthefulllengthofthespellfromeitherhisspellbookorascroll,upto,butnotincluding,theinvocationlineifrequired.Thespellmustbereadloudly,sothatitisclearlyaudibletothosewithin5'ofthecaster.Peopleshouldbeabletounderstandwhatyouarereciting.Acastermaynotspeak(otherthanreadingthespell),fight,movehisfeet,orbemovedfromhispositionwhilecastingaspell.Ifthecasterspeaks,fights,moves,orishitbyaweapon(includingshafts)duringspellcasting,thespellisnegated.Ifthecasterwishes,hemaythenbeginthespellagainfromthebeginning.

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Thespellisconsidered"cast"whenthefullspellhasbeenread,upto,butnotincludingtheinvocationlineshouldoneberequired.Oncethespelliscast,thecastermaythenholdthespellindefinitelybeforeinvokingit.Whileholdingaspell,thecastermaynotspeak,andispermittedtomovenomorethanfivestepsfromhisoriginalposition.Also,whileholdingaspell,thecastermaynotbemovedbyanotherparticipant.Ifaweaponstrikesthespellcasterwhileheisholdingaspell,thespelleffectsarevisitedfullyuponthecaster.Forexample,ifaMageisstruckbeanarrowwhileholdingacastFireballspell,thespelldetonatesintheMage’shands.Whenthecasterisreadytoinvokeaspell,hesays,"I,[Name],invoke[SpellName]!”andthespelleffectswilltakeplace.Theinvocationlineofaspellmustbeshoutedandreadcontinuously.Itisatthetimeofinvokingaspellthatthecastermustreleaseanymaterialcomponentsthespellrequires,suchasspellballs.Spellcastersmaynotcastaspelliftheyaremortallywoundedorhavealightwoundonbotharms.

MaterialComponentsMostspellsrequirethecastertopossessamaterialcomponentinordertocompletecasting.Theappropriatematerialcomponentsneededarelistedunderthedescriptionofeachspell.Thecastermusthavethematerialcomponentofaspellonhisperson,orthespellcannotbecast.Duringcheck-in,spellcastersarerequiredtopresenttheirmaterialcomponentstotheSpellMarshalforhisapproval.Materialcomponentsareconsideredpersonalpropertyandmaynotbetakenorstolenfromthecasterbyotherparticipants.FavorsFavorsusedforspelleffectsarerepresentedbyastripofclothatleast3”wideby12”long.Thecolorandmarkingsarelistedinthespell’sdescription.Thismustbewornvisibly.Asanalternateformoffavor,headbands(atleast1”wide)canbewornforthefollowingspells:AnimateDead,Barkskin,Growth,Stoneskin,andSteelskin.Thefavorisputononlyafterthespelliscompleted.Thevarious*skinspellsabsorbattacks/hitsbeforeanyarmorworn.Despitethename,theyareconsideredanouterlayerofprotection.Forexample,ifyouhavetakenaPotionofStoneskinandarewearingAC3,thefirstattackmustbeappliedtotheStoneskin.SpellBallsManyspellsinDarkonhavearangedeffectandthetargetofaspellmaybeatadistancefromthecaster.Inordertorepresentthisattack,mostrangedspellsrequirea‘spellball’astheirmaterialcomponent.Aspellballisacircular,cylindrical,orsphericalshapedsack,withadiameterbetween6"and12”,whichisstuffedwithfoamorcloth,andsealedonallsides.Inadditiontothepreviousspecifications,mass-manufacturedfoamtrainingtennisballsmaybeusedasspellballsaslongastheyarecoveredwithclothintheappropriatecolor.Spellballsmaynever,withtheexceptionofthefoamtrainingtennisballs,haveanytypeofsolidcore.Spellsballsmayneverhaveastiffcoreofanytype.AllspellballsmustbesubmittedtotheSpellMarshalduringcheck-intobeinspectedforsizeandsafetyrequirements.Eachspellthatrequiresaspellballwillberepresentedbyadifferentcolor,whichisstatedundereachspelldescription.Whenaspellisinvokedthecastermaythenthrowthespellballatanytarget.Spellballsareconsideredtobelegaltoallpartsofthebody,includingthehead,face,hands,andfeet.Ifanactivespellballhitsaparticipantoranypartofhisequipment,evenifit’sonlyagraze,thespellattackisconsideredtobesuccessfulanditseffectsarevisitedupontheparticipant.Ifthespellballhitstheground,atree,oranyotherphysicalobjectbeforeithitsaparticipant,itisconsideredtohavedetonatedatthepointofimpact.Theexceptiontothis,arespellswitharadiuseffect.Spellswitharadiusofeffecttakeeffectfromthecenteroftheinitialpointofimpact.Anyparticipantwhoisintheradiuseffectareaofaspellatthespellball’spointofdetonationwillsuffertheeffectsofthespell.Spellballs,likeanyothermissileweapon,maynotbeintentionallyblockedordeflectedfromtheircourse.Ifaparticipantintentionallydeflectsaspellballwithhisweaponthatparticipantwillsuffertheeffectsofthespellandbecomethepointofimpactforanyradiusofeffectspell.Spellballsmaybepickedupandreusedbyothercharacters,buttheymustbereturnedtotheproperownerattheendofabattle.ItisthedutyoftheElderstoreturnspellballstothecasters.

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SpellCharacteristicsThetablebelowincludesthefollowingcharacteristicsforeachspelllisted:Length:Thebasenumberofsyllablesaspellmustconsistofinordertobecast;thisdoesnotincludeanyreductions.Range:Therangeofaspell,‘touch’or‘throwingdistance’forexample.Duration:Thelengthoftimeaspellisineffect.AreaofEffect:Thenumberofcreatures,orareainwhichaspellisineffect.MaterialComponent:Thematerialcomponent,ifany,requiredforcastingaspell.

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SpellDescriptions

AnimateDead3

Mage–Rank9Length 1,000syllables Duration Varies;seebelowRange Touch AreaofEffect 1corpse

MaterialComponent Blackfavorwithwhitecircleincenter

ThisspellallowsaMagetoanimateanyonedeadcorpse,makingithispersonalautomaton.Thecastercananimate1playeror1NPCasaskeleton,andcanonlyhaveoneanimatedskeletonatanytime.ThisspellhasdifferenteffectsonPlayersvsNPCs.APlayerisanimatedforaminimumof12minutes;thistimereplacestheirtimeinhades.Aplayercanchoosenottobeanimated,whichresultsinthespellfailing.Attheendoftheanimationtheplayermustbeoutofplayfor1minbeforereturningasaplayer.Playersanimatedbythisspellhavetheirarmorrestored,andareotherwiseexactlyliketheentryforSkeletonintheLandSearchChart.(Vulnerable:Silver,Immune:Red,destroyedbyonehitfromanon-redBlessedweapon)AnNPCisanimatedforaminimumof30minutes,cannotrefuseanimationunlessspecialcircumstancesareineffectandruledbyanelder.NPCsanimatedbythisspellhavetheirabilitiesandVulnerable:Silver,Immune:Red,destroyedbyonehitfromanon-redBlessedweapon.EitheranNPCoraPlayercanelecttocontinuingbeinganimatedbeyondtheminimumtime,untildestroyed.Ananimatedcorpseisonlypermittedtofollowsimplecommandssuchas‘attack,’‘guard,’or‘fetch.’AMagemustgivespecificinstructionstotheanimatedcorpse,oritwillperformthetaskusingitsinstinctsalone.IftheMageisstruckbyFeebleMindoriskilled,theanimatedcorpsebecomesafrenziedkillerattackinganythinginitspathuntildestroyed.Spellsthataffectintelligence,suchasSpeakwithDead,TruthSpeak,andFeebleMinddonotaffectanimatedcorpses.Undeadcreaturescannotbeanimated.

Barkskin2,3

Druid–Rank5Length 250syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect Self

MaterialComponentBrownfavorwithwhitecircleinthecenter

ThisspellallowstheDruidtoincreasehisarmorclassbyonelevel,toamaximumresultofAC2.Forexamplenon-armoredareaswouldactasAC1andleatherarmororpaddedarmorwouldactasAC2.ThespellcanbedispelledthroughtheMagespellDispelMagic.MendingwillrestoreBarkskin.BarkskinmaynotbeusedinconjunctionwiththeBracersofDefense.Thisspellmaybecastonceperdayandwillrechargeautomatically(justasnormalarmordoes)inHades,oruponthecallof"LayOn"atthestartofabattle.

BurningHands3Mage–Rank3Length 100syllables Duration SpecialRange Touch AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Redgloves

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ThisspellgeneratesafieldoffieryenergyabouttheMage'shands,whichinflictstwowhitedamagehitsperhand(fourwhitehitstotal).Eachhandmayexpendtwochargesatonce,inflicting'doublewhite'damageinoneattack,oronechargeintwoseparateattacks.TheMagemaymoveandspeaknormallyaftercastingthisspell,butnoitemsmaybeheldwhilethespellisineffect.IftheMagereceivesalightwoundtoanarm,thespelleffectisdispelledforthatarm.TheMagemayexpendonechargetotouchanywoodenweapon,excludingandsiegeweapons,ortwochargestodestroyanyshieldThisspelldoesnotallowtheMagetocatch,block,orknockawayweaponsorspellballswithoutconsequence,andtheMagewillreceivenormaldamageifthisoccurs.ThisspellcanbedispelledbyDispelMagic.Thisspellisnotheadlegal.

ChargeItemMage–Rank8WarriorMage–Rank8Length 500syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1itemMaterialComponent Arcanesymbol

ThisspellallowstheMagetochannelmagicalenergytoamagicalitemorRelic.ThisspellaffectsanyRelicthathascharges,suchastheJavelinofLighteningorMaelstrom.Anyitemrechargedthroughthisspellisrestoredtofullmagicalcapacity.

CommunewithNatureDruid–Rank7Length 300syllables Duration 3questionsRange Special AreaofEffect Caster’ssurroundingsMaterialComponent Naturesymbol

ThespellallowstheDruidtospeakwithplantsandanimalswithinhisimmediatesurroundingsinordertodetermineeventsthathavetakenplacethere.AnElderwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthespell.TheDruidmayaskuptothreequestions,whichtheElderwillanswerwitheither,“Yes,”or,“No.”OnlyinformationconcerningthecurrentadventuremaybegivenandtheEldermaynotdivulgeinformationregardingtheactionsofotherparticipants,suchasassassinations.

ComprehendLanguages3Mage–Rank2WarriorMage–Rank2Length 75syllables Duration 1hourRange Caster AreaofEffect CasterMaterialComponent Arcanesymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertounderstandasinglelanguage.Thecasterneednotknowwhatthelanguageiscalled,butaspokenorwrittenexampleofitneedstobepresentatthetimeofcasting.Whenthisspellisfullyreduced(11thrank),thecasterisalsoabletospeakandwritethelanguage.At20thrank,thecastermayunderstand,speak,andwriteanylanguagesheencounters,andnoexampleneedstobepresentwhenthespelliscast.

Consecrate/Desecrate3

ClericRank3

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Length 100syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1gallonMaterialComponent Cleanwater

ThisspellallowstheClerictocalluponthepowerofhisDeitytoconsecrateordesecratecleanwater,imbuingitwithDivineenergy.Thiswatermaybeusedasadirectattack,throwing/sprinklingitonacreature;oritmaybeusedtoimbueaweaponwithasingle‘BlessedHit.’ABlessedHitactsthesameasiftheHolyWaterwasthrownattheenemycreature,exceptitisconsideredinadditiontotheweapon’snormaldamage.OnlythefirsthitofaconsecratedweaponwillcountasaBlessedHit,andthewieldershouldcall‘Blessed’andthedamageoftheweapon.Afterthefirsthit,theweaponrevertstonormal.WhenHolyWaterisaddedtofoodordrink,itisinstantlypurifiedandallpoisons,toxins,anddiseasesareremovedfromit.OnedoseofHolyWaterwillcauseonehitofdamagetoundead,summoned,orextra-planarcreatures.Likewise,throughdesecration,aClericcannullifytheeffectsofHolyWateronfood,drink,andweapons.HolyWatermustbecontainedinaperiodcontainerwhichdoesnotincludeaplasticnozzle;alsobeconsiderateofotherparticipantswhenapplyingHolyWater.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisspell.

Create/DestroyHolyWeaponCleric–Rank8Length 400syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1weaponMaterialComponent Silverweapon

ThisspellallowstheClerictopermanentlyBlessasingleweapon.Theweaponmustbemadeofsilver,butoncethespellhasbeencompleted,thatweaponwilldeliver‘Blessed’hits.ThesilverweaponmustbespeciallymadeandpurchasedwithDarkoncurrency,seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems.Theweapon’sstrikingsurfacemustthenbecoveredwithblueclothandthenameoftheCleric’sDeitymustbewrittenclearlyontheweapon.Alternately,theweaponmaybemarkedwithastripofbluetape(abovethehandleorontheshaft).AClericmayonlyhaveoneHolyWeaponspellineffectatanytime;aClericmaymakeaHolyweaponforanothercharacter,providedtheyareofthesamealignment.TheenchantmentofHolyweaponsispermanent,andcarriesbetweenDarkonevents.TheenchantmentmaybebrokenbyhavingtheweapondeclareddestroyedbythecastingClericorhavingtheDestroyHolyWeaponspellcastuponit,renderingitanormal,silverweapon.CreatingaHolyweapondoesnotincreasetheamountofdamagedonebytheweapon;itonlyallowstheweapontostrikecreaturesnotaffectedbynormalweapons.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessoftheBlessedHitsdonebyaHolyweapon.ClericsmaynotmakeScrollsofthisspell.

Create/DestroyMagicWeaponMage–Rank9Length 300syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1itemorweaponMaterialComponent Greenribbonortape

ThisspellallowstheMagetopermanentlyenchantasingleweapon.Oncethespellhasbeencompleted,thatweaponwilldeliver‘Magic’hits.Bowsandcrossbowssoenchantedtransfertheeffecttotheirammunitionwhenfired.Whenthespelliscast,theMagemustplacegreenribbonorgreentapeontheweaponinavisiblemanner(abovethehandleorontheshaft).AMagemayonlyhaveoneEnchantItemspellineffectatanytime,butaMagemaymakeaMagicweaponforanothercharacter.

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TheenchantmentofMagicweaponsispermanent,andcarriesbetweenDarkonevents.TheenchantmentmaybebrokenbyhavingtheweapondeclareddestroyedbythecastingMage,orbyhavingtheDestroyMagicWeaponspellcastuponit,renderingitanormalweapon.CreatingaMagicweapondoesnotincreasetheamountofdamagedonebytheweapon,howevertheweaponwillbeabletostrikeanycreatureoritem,regardlessofanymagicaleffectthatwouldnormallypreventthat.AMagicweaponcanfreelystrikecreaturesfrozeninIceStorm,inGaseousForm,usingSanctuary,etc.ThisdoesnotaffecttheprotectionofheadbandarmorortheBracers;theysoakdamageasalways.Also,ifanNPCisimmunetoacertaincolorofweapon,orrequiressomespecificweapontype(Holy,Enchanted,etc.)tohitit,theMagicweaponwillstillbeabletostrikeitsuccessfully.MagesmaynotmakeScrollsofthisspell.

CureDiseaseCavalier–Rank1Cleric-Rank4Druid–Rank7Length 150syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Classsymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertocountersuchthingsasleprosy,consumption,rabies,lycanthropy,plagues,andsoon,cleansingthetargetofmostcommondiseases.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisspell.

CureLightWoundsCavalier–Rank1Cleric–Rank1Druid–Rank3Ranger–Rank5

LengthCav-1min.meditationC,D,R-300syllables Duration Permanent

Range Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent

Classsymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertocureonelightwoundforanyoneortostabilizeanothermortallywoundedplayer.Stabilizingaplayerremovesnowounds.Thisspellhasnoeffectonweapons,shields,orarmor.WarriorMagescanonlycastthisspellonthemselves.Cavaliersmeditate,allothersreadfromspellbooks.

CureMortalWoundsCleric–Rank7Length 600syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Holysymbol

ThisspellallowstheClerictocureanyonewhoismortallywounded.Thisspellhasnoeffectonweapons,shields,orarmor.Thisspellalsohealsanylesserwounds.

CureSeriousWounds

50

Cleric–Rank5Druid–Rank7Length 350syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Classsymbol

ThisspellallowstheClerictocurealllightwounds(uptoallfourlimbs)ontherecipient,,ortostabilizeanothermortallywoundedplayer.Stabilizingaplayerremovesnowounds.Thisspellhasnoeffectonweapons,shields,orarmor.

Curse1Cleric–Rank9Length 500syllables Duration InstantRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Pinkspellball

ThisspellallowstheClerictocallforththepowerofhisDeityinangerandfury,causingDivinepain.Thisspellinflictsalightwoundtoeveryunwoundedlimbofthetarget,orfourhitsofdamagetoacreaturewithasetnumberofhitpoints.Cursepenetratesallarmorandshields.

DetectMagicMage–Rank1WarriorMage–Rank1Length 30syllables Duration InstantRange Caster AreaofEffect 3’ft.radiusMaterialComponent ArcaneSymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertodetectthepresenceofmagicalauraswithintheareaofeffect.Impressionsarelimitedtoayes/nodetermination,andageneralsenseastothestrengthofaura.AnyinformationgainedissubjecttothediscretionofanElder.

DetectTrapsDruid–Rank2Mage–Rank3WarriorMage–Rank3Length 100syllables Duration ConcentrationRange Caster AreaofEffect 10ft.radiusMaterialComponent Classsymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertodetectthelocationofanytrapswithina10’radiusofherposition.Shecancontinuetodetectaslongassheconcentrates,butshecannotrun,castanotherspell,fight,ortakedamage,ortheconcentrationisbroken.Whenthisspellisfullyreduced(11thrankforDruids,12thforMage&WarriorMage),thecasterbecomesawareofthespecificnatureofanytrapsdetected.Druidsarelimitedtousingthisspellinnaturalsurroundings.At20thrankandabove,thecastermaychoosetocastthisspellasubsequenttimetodisableasingleknowntrapwithintheradius.

TheeffectofthisspellissubjecttothediscretionofanElder;theuseofthisspellshouldfacilitateandnotsupersedeplotdevelopment.

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DispelMagic1Druid–Rank8Mage–Rank5WarriorMage–Rank6Length 175syllables Duration InstantRange Caster AreaofEffect 10ft.radiusMaterialComponent Classsymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertonullifymostnon-permanentmagicaleffects(seefootnote3)withina10’radius.TheinvocationlineforDispelMagicisuniqueinthatitisjusttheword“Dispel!”.Inadditiontonegatingmagicalreadyineffect,thisalsonegatesanyspellsbeingheldorinvoked--butnotthosecurrentlybeingread.Thecastermayalsodispelincomingspellballs,providedthat“Dispel!”isshoutedpriorto--oreffectivelysimultaneouswith--thespellballmakingcontactwithinthe10’radius.AcasterisimmunetotheeffectsofherownDispel,unlessshespecificallydeclaresthatsheistargetingherself.

Entangle1,3

Druid–Rank8Length 300syllables Duration 15minutesRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 3ft.radiusMaterialComponent Brownspellball

Thisspellcausesthickbramblesandvinestogrow,entanglinganythingwithinthe3’radius.Ifthespelliscastinanareawithnovegetation,suchasindoors,theareaofeffectisreducedtoonecreatureorobject.Thetarget(s)affectedmaynotmoveorbemovedforthedurationofthespellandmaybeattackedfreely.BurningHands,Fireball,andDispelMagicwillfreethetarget(s),aswillanycuttingweaponbytouchingahitzoneandsaying,“Iamfreeingyour(sayhitzone)!”Apersonmayonlybefreedoncethefivemajorhitzonesarefreed(torso,legs,andarms).Anylimbnotyetfreedremainslockedinplace.Anobjectmaybefreedbyanycuttingweaponbytouchingtheobjectandsaying,“Iamfreeingthis!”Anobjectheldbyaparticipantisconsideredapartoftheparticipantanddoesnotrequireseparatefreeing,norshallitcountasameansofblockingthespellball.Thisspellwillpenetrateallarmorandshields.Thisspellwillonlyaffectman-sizedcreatures.

FeebleMind1,3

Mage–Rank6Length 300syllables Duration 5minutesRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Plaidspellball

CreaturesstruckbyFeebleMindbecomeconfusedandmoronicandthoseaffectedbyitcannotthinkcoherently;thereforetheymaynotcastspells,useitems,orfight.WhenundertheinfluenceofFeebleMind,thevictimisunaffectedbymindaffectingspellssuchasTruthSpeak;ifthetargetisstruckwithsuchaspell,theymuststatetheyareunaffectedduetoFeebleMind.Thisspellpenetratesallarmorandshields.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisspellonmonstersandNPCs.

FeignDeath

52

Druid–Rank1Mage–Rank1Ranger–Rank2WarriorMage–Rank1Length 30syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect SelfMaterialComponent Classsymbol

ThisspellallowstheRangertoslowhisheartbeatandbreathing.ThisspellmaybememorizedandcanbecastwithoutreadingfromaSpellBook.TheRangermaynotmoveorspeakexcepttoanswer,“Yes,”whenaskedifdead;otherwisethespellisbroken.

Fireball1,3Mage–Rank8Length 325syllables Duration InstantRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 3ft.radiusMaterialComponent Redspellball

ThisspellallowstheMagetosummonasphereofburningflame.Whencast,theMagethrowsaredspellballatthetargetand,uponimpact,theFireballexplodesintoa3’radiusofflame,destroyinganywoodenweapons,shields,gates,siegeweapons,and/orcreatureshitbythespellball.Anycreaturewithinthe3’radiusismortallywounded.Anycreaturewithasetnumberofhitpointsstruckby,orintheradiusofaFireball,willtakefourhitsofdamage;howeverthismaybealteredbytheElderoftheevent.AFireballisagreenweaponandpenetratesallarmorandshields.IfaFireballlandsfullyinabodyofwater,itseffectivenessisreduced,causingalightwoundtoeachlimbofanyonecaughtwithinthe3’radius.AFireballthrownintoastructurelosesitsradiuseffect.

FrostSpike1,3

Mage–Rank1Length 150syllables Duration 24hoursRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect Singletarget(s)

MaterialComponentJavelinwithblueheadandwhiteshaft

ThisspellallowstheMagetocallforthaspikeofice,whichcausesReddamageuponimpactanddoesIcedamagetocreaturesaffectedbydamagespecifictypes.TheMagecancast1FrostSpikeforevery2ranks,roundeddown,toamaxof3FrostSpikes.Forexamplea5thrankMagecouldcast2FrostSpikes.FrostSpikesmaybeactivatedanddeactivatedattheMage’sdiscretionandmaybeusedbyotherMagesaswellasbyanyonewhocanuseajavelin.Theymaybeusedinmeleeorthrown.MagesmayonlyuseFrostSpikes,however—notnormaljavelins.FrostSpikescanbedispelledwithDispelMagicandcannotberepairedviaMending.Thisspelllastsfor24hours,regardlessoftheMage’sdeath.

GaseousForm3

Mage–Rank8Length 400syllables Duration 15minutesRange Casterortouch AreaofEffect NoneMaterialComponent Whitehood

Thisspellallowsthetarget,andallitemsonhisperson,tobecomeatranslucentgaseousversionofhimselfandcannotbeharmedthroughphysicalattacks;onlythespellsFireball,IceStorm(Maelstromcouldbeusedinthisinstance),andLightningBoltmaycausedamagetohim,howevertheGaseousFormspellwouldstillremainineffectaslongasthecasterisnotdead,orthespelldispelled.

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Thetargetmustdonawhitehoodtocompletethespell.WhileinGaseousForm,thetargetmaynotspeak,touchanything,oraffectthephysicalworldinanywayorthespellisbroken.Thetarget’sidentityandallitemsonhispersonsorspellsineffectonhimthatwouldnormallybevisibletootherparticipantsmaybediscerned.Whileinthisform,thetargetmaypassthroughsmallopeningssuchasunderdoors,cracksinwalls,andkeyholes.SpellsmaynotbecastwhileinGaseousForm.At16thRanktheMagemaycastthespellonothers.

Growth3

Mage–Rank7Length 400syllables Duration PermanentuntilDeathRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creature

MaterialComponentWhitefavorwithletter‘G’inthecenter

Thisspellcausesanyoneman-sizedcreaturetogrowinsizeandmasstothatofaGiant.Assuch,whenfightingagainstanyMonstersontheLandSearch"Giants"table,oranycreaturewith"Giant"aspartofitsspecialabilities,theaffectedcreaturedoesnothavetofightonhisorherknees.Thisspelldoesnothingbutincreasethesizeofthecreature;thecreaturegainsnootherbonusesanditsattacksarenormalforthecreature’sweapontype.

HoldPortal3Mage–Rank4WarriorMage–Rank4Length 100syllables Duration Permanent

Range Touch AreaofEffect1portal,chest,orothercloseableitem

MaterialComponent Brightgreenribbonatleast1”wide

ThisspellallowsaMagetomagicallysealadoor,gate,chest,pouch,oranyotheritemabletobeclosed.Toshowthatthespellisineffect,visiblytieabrightgreenribbonontheclosure,oratthecenterofagate.NothingcanthenopenthesealeditemexceptthecastingMage,theReleasePortalspell,oraThiefofatleast20thrank.AttemptingtousePickPocketsonapouchorotherwornitemthat’ssealedbythisspellautomaticallyfailsunlesstheThiefisatleast20thrank.EventhenthemagicallockeffectofHoldPortaladdsanadditional5secondstotheattempt(foratotalof10secondsrequired).However,theitemcanstillbephysicallydestroyedthroughtheuseofabatteringram,catapult,Fireball,etc.ThecastermayopenandclosetheitemfreelywithoutrecastingtheHoldPortalspell.AcastermayhaveonlyoneHoldPortalineffectatanytime.

IceStorm1,3

Mage–Rank5Length 200syllables Duration 5minutesRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Whitespellball

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ThisspellallowstheMagetosummonasphereofsnowandice.WhenacreatureishitbyanIceStorm,itisfrozeninablockoficeforfiveminutes.PhysicalweaponscannotharmcreaturesaffectedbyIceStorm,nordomostspells.IceStormpenetratesallshields.CreaturescanbefreedbyusingDispelMagic,BurningHands(fourcharges)orFireball,butFireballwillcauseamortalwoundtothecreature.Man-sizedcreaturesaffectedbyicestormcanbephysicallymovedbyaminimumoftwopeople.CreaturesaffectedbyIceStormwillfloatinthewaterforaslongasthespellisineffect.

LastRitesCavalier–Rank8Cleric–Rank9Length 500syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Holysymbol

ThisspellallowstheClerictoputtorestthesoulorspiritofanyonedeadcreature.ThetargetofthisspellmaynotbeResurrected,Animated,orotherwiserevivedinanyway.Trolls,vampires,andotherregeneratingcreaturesarepermanentlyputtorestandmaynotreturntothelivingworld.SpeakwithDeadmaynotbecastonanycreatureaffectedbyLastRites.CharactersthathavebeenaffectedbyLastRitesmustspendtheappropriatetimeinHades.IfthereisnoHadesinplay,thecharactermustremainout-of-gameforaperiodof12minutesbeforereturningtoplay.LastRitesmaybeappliedtolivingcreaturesonlywhencastagainstdemons,undead,orsummonedbeings.AnycreaturesfromthosethreecategoriesareimmediatelybanishedfromtheCleric’splaneofexistenceandareinstantlyreturnedtotheiroriginalplane.Thebanishedcreaturemaynotreturnforaperiodof12minutes.LastRitesisfinal.

LegendLoreMage–Rank7WarriorMage–Rank7Length 300syllables Duration InstantRange Special AreaofEffect Caster’ssurroundingsMaterialComponent ArcaneSymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertodeterminethehistoryand/orpowersofasingleitemorplaceinthecaster’simmediatevicinity.Thecasterwillalsolearnthemeansofactivatinganypowers.AtanElder’soption,someitemsmaybegroupedtogetherinasinglecasting(e.g.amatchedsetofmagicalgemsbelongingtoanevilwizard,ortheswordandshieldofafamousknightofantiquity).AnyinformationgainedissubjecttothediscretionofanElder;theuseofthisspellshouldfacilitateandnotsupersedeplotdevelopment.

Light3Cavalier–Rank1Cleric–Rank1Druid–Rank1Mage–Rank1Ranger–Rank1Monk–Rank1Length 30syllables Duration 30minutes

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Range Caster AreaofEffect 10ft.radiusMaterialComponent Flashlight

Thisspellallowsthecastertocreateasmallsphereoflightthatwillremainforupto30minutesofcontinuoususe.Ifthelightisturnedoff,forwhateverreason,thespelliscancelledandmustberecastiflightisdesiredagain.TheLightmayonlybedirectedtowardthegroundwithina10’radiusofthecaster.Smallflashlightsorglowsticksmaybeused,butnospotlights.ThisspellmaybememorizedandcastwithoutreadingfromaSpellBook.

LightningBolt1,3Druid–Rank4Mage–Rank4

Length D-175syllablesM–150syllables

Duration Instant

Range Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creature

MaterialComponent Bluespellball

ThisspellallowstheDruidtocallforthaboltofLightning,whichcausesblackdamageuponimpact.IfashieldisstruckbyLightning,itisautomaticallydestroyed.IfaLightningboltlandsinabodyofwater,beforestrikinganythingelse,itgainsaradiuseffectof3’thataffectsanyparticipantwithabodypartinthewater.Thisradiuseffectdoesblackdamagetoeveryspellball-legalhitzoneoftheaffectedparticipant,butcountsonlyasasingleattacktothatparticipant.

MagicalStone2,3

Druid–Rank10Length 500syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect 1stoneMaterialComponent Graypouch

ThisspellallowstheDruidtoholdonespellforlateruse.Toholdaspell,theDruidmustfirstcastMagicalStone,andsubsequentlycastthespelltobeheld,utilizingthematerialcomponentsforeach.WhentheDruidisreadytocasttheheldspell,hesimplyopensthepouchandchantstheinvocationlinefortheheldspell;theDruidcannotinvokethespellifheismortallywoundedorhasalightwoundtobotharms.ADruidmayonlyhaveonespellheldatatime;thisspelliscancelledupontheDruid’sdeath.OnlythecastingDruidmayinvoketheheldspell.Whilethisspellisactive,theDruidmaynotcastthespellwhichisstoredinthestone,butmaycastallotherspellsasnormal.

MagicMissile1

Mage–Rank2WarriorMage–Rank9Length 100syllables Duration InstantRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Blackspellball

ThisspellallowstheMagetocallforthaboltofMagicMissile,whichinflictsblackdamage,butdoesnotdestroyshields.

MagicShield2,3

Mage–Rank2WarriorMage–Rank5

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Length250syllables Duration 24hours

Range Caster AreaofEffect 1creature

MaterialComponent Bucklerupto18"w/yelloworgoldedges.

Thisspellallowsacastertoequipanduseasmallshield.Theshield’slargestdimensionmaynotexceed18”.Theshieldcanbedestroyedbyashield-destroyingweapon,butisnotaffectedbyWarpWood.Thecastermayusetheshieldtoblockordeflectanysingletargetspellball,sufferingnoeffect.However,AoEspellswillstillaffectthecasternormally.Thisshieldmaybeactivatedanddeactivatedatthecaster’sdiscretion.TheshieldcanbedispelledwithDispelMagicandcannotberepairedwithMending.Thisspelllastsfor24hours,regardlessofthecaster’sdeath.

MendingDruid–Rank2Mage–Rank1WarriorMage–Rank2

LengthD-100syllablesM,WM–125syllables

Duration Permanent

Range Touch AreaofEffect 1woodenorleatheritemMaterialComponent Classsymbol

ThisspellallowstheDruidtobind,restore,andrepairphysicalobjects.Druidsmaymendanywoodenorleatheritems,includingshields,weapons,Barkskin,andnormalleatherarmors;DruidsmaynotMendships,gates,oranymetalobjects,includingstuddedandringmailarmor.ThisspellallowstheMagetobind,restore,andrepairphysicalobjects.Magesmaymendanyobject,includingweapons,armor,gates,orasinglehittoaship.Asuitofarmorisconsideredtobeasingleitem.DispelMagicdoesnotnegatetheeffectoftheMendingspell.

NatureLove1,3

Druid–Rank10Length 500syllables Duration 5minutesRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Greenspellball

ThisspellallowstheDruidtocauseanyonecreaturetobecomeutterlyenchantedandenthralledbyNature.CreaturesaffectedbyNatureLovemaynotfight,beararms,orcastspells.Druidsareimmunetothisspell.NatureLovecanbedispelledviaDispelMagic,orthedeathofthecreatureaffected.

NeutralizePoison2,3

Cleric–Rank5Druid–Rank5Ranger–Rank7

Length C,D-175syllablesR–200syllables

Duration Permanent

Range Touch AreaofEffect 1creature

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MaterialComponentHolysymbolorPurplefavor

Thisspellallowsthecastertoneutralizetheeffectsofmostpoisonsandtoxins.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisspell.Ifcastonacharacterbeforeheispoisoned,thespellwillabsorbthenextpoisonattackthatwouldotherwisehaveaffectedthecharacter,butthecharacterwillstilltakethephysicaldamagefromtheattack.(Multiplepoisonsdeliveredatonce,sayindrink,countasoneattack.)Thecastermaycastthisspellonothersatrank9.Whenthespelliscomplete,thecastermustplaceapurplestripofclothwithablack‘P’onthetarget;thisstripmustbeatleast3”wideby12”long.Thismustbewornvisibly.NeutralizePoisonremainsineffectafterdeathforupto12minutes;thatistosay,iftheparticipantisresurrectedorAnimatedwithin12minutesofdeath,theprotectionremains,otherwise,itisdispelled.NeutralizedPoisonmaybeusedwithanyprotectionspells;forexample,aparticipantwithProtectionfromIcemayhaveNeutralizePoisoncastonhimaswell.

Passwall3Mage–Rank9Length 500syllables Duration 1minuteRange Touch AreaofEffect Man-sizedopeningMaterialComponent Arcanesymbol

ThespellallowstheMagetoopenatemporarypassagethroughawallorbarrier.TheMagemayclosetheholeatanytimebysimplycommandingittodoso,thusendingthespell.Nocreaturecanbehurtortrappedifcaughtintheholeasitcloses,anditwillbedisplacedtoonesideortheother.Creatureslargerthanman-sized,suchasgiants,ogres,orthoseaffectedbytheGrowthspell,maynotpassthroughanopeningcreatedbyPasswall.

PersonalMagicWeapon2,3

Ranger-Rank9Length 200syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Greenribbonortape

ThisspellallowstheRangertoimbueanyoneofhisweaponswithmagicalenergy.Whenthespelliscast,theRangermustplacegreenribbonorgreentapeontheweaponinavisiblemanner(abovethehandleorontheshaft).Whentheweaponisinuse,theRangershouldcall,"Magic!"beforethecolor.ThisweaponthenfunctionsasaMagicweaponasdescribedintheMagespellCreate/DestroyMagicWeapon,exceptthatitfunctionsonlyfortheRangerwhocastit,andthattheenchantmentdoesnotcarryoverbetweenevents.

Pouch2,3Mage–Rank10Length 500syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect NoneMaterialComponent Pouch

ThisspellallowstheMagetoholdonespellforlateruse.Toholdaspell,theMagemustfirstcastPouch,andsubsequentlycastthespelltobeheld,utilizingthematerialcomponentsforeach.WhentheMageisreadytocasttheheldspell,hesimplyopensthepouchandchantstheinvocationlinefortheheldspell;theMagecannotinvokethespellifheismortallywoundedorhasalightwoundtobotharms.

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AMagemayonlyhaveonespellPouchedatatime;thisspelliscancelledupontheMage’sdeath.OnlythecastingMagemayinvokethePouchedspell.Whilethisspellisactive,theMagemaynotcastthespellwhichispouched,butmaycastallotherspellsasnormal.DispelMagicwillnullifyPouchandanystoredspells.

PrayerTouch2,3

Cleric-Rank6Length 300syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect NoneMaterialComponent Coloredgloves

ThisspellallowstheClerictoholdonespellforlateruse.Toholdaspell,theClericmustfirstcastPrayerTouch,andsubsequentlycastthespelltobeheld,utilizingtheMaterialComponentsforeach.Tousethestoredspell,theClericsimplyneedstodontheappropriatecolorgloves;glovesmustbewornonbothhands.ThestoredspellwillbereleaseduponthefirstthingtheClerictouches.Heldspellswillpenetrateallarmor,butwillnotpenetrateshields.Oncetheglovesareworn,theClericmaynotcastanyotherspells,useanyweapons,orholdanyobject;theymaytouchthemselvesandmoveaboutnormallywithoutreleasingthespell.IfaClericishitwhilePrayerTouchisactive,thespellisnotbrokenunlesstheyarehitinthearms,mortallywounded,orkilled.AClericmayhaveonlyonespellstoredatanygiventime,butmaynotcastthespellthatisstoredwithinthegloves,thoughhemaycontinuetocastotherspellsandfightnormallyuntiltheglovesareworn.OnlythecastingClericcandontheglovesandinvokethestoredspell.DispelMagicwillnullifyPrayerTouchandanystoredspells.ClericsmayPrayerTouchspellsaccordingtothefollowingchart.

RankofCleric RankofSpellHeld6 1stRank7 1st-2ndRank8 1st-3rdRank9 1st-4thRank10 1st-5thRank11 1st-6thRank12 1st-7thRank13 1st-8thRank14 1st-9thRank15 1st-10thRank

Storedspellsareidentifiedbythefollowingglovecolors:SpellStored ColorTurnUndead YellowWordofHolding OrangeCurse PinkAllotherClericspells White

ProtectionfromFire2,3

Mage–Rank7Length 375syllables Duration SpecialRange Special AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Redfavor

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ThisspellallowstheMagetoprotectanycreatureoritemfromoneheatorfire-basedattack.AMagemayprotecthimselfat7thRank,othercreaturesat9thRank,anditemsat11thRank.Protecteditemsmayincludegates,siegeweapons,andmeleeweapons,butnotentireships;whenaprotectionspelliscast,itencompassesallofthatparticipant’sgear.Whenthespelliscomplete,theMagemustplacearedstripofclothatleast3”wideby12”longonthetarget.Thismustbewornvisibly.ThisspelldoesnothindertheMage’suseofanyothermagic.Thisspelldoesnotnegatetheareaeffectofagreenweapon;inotherwords,onlythetargetisprotected.ProtectionfromFireremainsineffectafterdeathforupto12minutes;thatistosay,iftheparticipantisresurrectedorAnimatedwithin12minutesofdeath,theprotectionremains,otherwise,itisdispelled.Onlyoneprotectionmaybeineffectatanytime;forexample,aparticipantwithProtectionfromFiremaynothaveProtectionfromIcecastontheshieldheiswielding.TwoormoreProtectionspellsnegateeachother.Thecastermaygenerateuptofiveoftheseprotectionfavors.Thecastermyonlyhaveoneprotectionspellactiveatatime.

ProtectionfromIce2,3

Mage–Rank4Length 300syllables Duration SpecialRange Special AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Whitefavor

ThisspellallowstheMagetoprotectanycreatureoritemfromonefrostorice-basedattack.AMagemayprotecthimselfat4thRank,othercreaturesat6thRank,anditemsat8thRank.Protecteditemsmayincludegates,siegeweapons,andmeleeweapons,butnotentireships;whenaprotectionspelliscast,itencompassesallofthatparticipant’sgear.Whenthespelliscomplete,theMagemustplaceawhitestripofclothatleast3”wideby12”longonthetarget.Thismustbewornvisibly.ThisspelldoesnothindertheMage’suseofanyothermagic.ProtectionfromIceremainsineffectafterdeathforupto12minutes;thatistosay,iftheparticipantisresurrectedorAnimatedwithin12minutesofdeath,theprotectionremains,otherwise,itisdispelled.Onlyoneprotectionmaybeineffectatanytime;forexample,aparticipantwithProtectionfromIcemaynothaveProtectionfromFirecastontheshieldheiswielding.TwoormoreProtectionspellsnegateeachother.Thecastermaygenerateuptofiveoftheseprotectionfavors.Thecastermyonlyhaveoneprotectionspellactiveatatime.

ProtectionfromLightning2,3

Druid–Rank3Mage–Rank3

Length D-225syllablesM–200syllables Duration Special

Range Caster AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Bluefavor

Thisspellallowsthecastertoprotectanycreatureoritemfromonelightningorelectrical-basedattack.Thecastermayprotecthimselfat3rdRank,othercreaturesat5thRank,anditemsat7thRank.Protecteditemsmayincludegates,siegeweapons,andmeleeweapons,butnotentireships;whenaprotectionspelliscast,itencompassesallofthatparticipant’sgear.Whenthespelliscomplete,theMagemustplaceabluestripofclothatleast3”wideby12”longonthetarget.Thismustbewornvisibly.ThisspelldoesnothindertheMage’suseofanyothermagic.ProtectionfromLightningremainsineffectafterdeathforupto12minutes;thatistosay,iftheparticipantisresurrectedorAnimatedwithin12minutesofdeath,theprotectionremains,otherwise,itisdispelled.Onlyoneprotectionmaybeineffectatanytime;forexample,aparticipantwithProtectionfromLightningmaynothaveProtectionfromIcecastontheshieldheiswielding.TwoormoreProtectionspellsnegateeachother.Thecastermaygenerateuptofiveoftheseprotectionfavors.Thecastermyonlyhaveoneprotectionspellactiveatatime.

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PurifyFoodandDrinkCavalier–Rank2Length 1min.meditation Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1cu.ft.MaterialComponent Holysymbol

ThisallowstheCavaliertopurifysmallamountsoffoodanddrink.Purifyingfoodanddrinkwillremoveanytoxins,diseases,poisons,orotherimpurities.

ReleasePortalMage–Rank5WarriorMage–Rank5

Length 100syllables

Duration Permanent

Range Touch AreaofEffect1portal,chest,orothercloseableitem

MaterialComponent ArcanesymbolThisspellallowsaMagetomagicallyopenadoor,chest,oranyotheritemabletobeclosed.Thisspellwillalsodestroyallnormallocksandlatchesintheprocessofopening;thisspellwillopenastructure’sgatebutwillnotdestroythelock.

ResurrectionCleric–Rank10Length 1,000syllables Duration PermanentRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Holysymbol

ThisspellallowstheClerictoresurrectoneslaincreature.Ifthecreaturechoosestorefusetoberesurrected,thereisnoeffect.Thisspelldoesnotaffectthecreature’sequipmentinanyway.Thisspellalsohealsanylesserwounds.

Sanctuary3

Cavalier–Rank3Cleric-Rank2

Length Cav-700syllablesC–650syllables

Duration Special

Range Caster AreaofEffect NoneMaterialComponent Prismorcrystal

ThisspellallowstheClerictosummontheprotectivepoweroftheirDeity,creatinganimpenetrablefieldaroundhim.Whenthespelliscomplete,theClericmustholdaprismorcrystalabovehisheadtomaintainthespell’seffect;ifatanytimethecrystalfallsontoorbelowtheCleric’shead,thespellisbroken.Thecrystalmustbeheldwithbothhandsabovethehead;thearmsandhandsmaynotrestupontheCleric’sheadorthespellisbroken.TheClericmayhavenothingotherthanthecrystalorprisminhishands.WhileundertheprotectionofSanctuary,theClericisimpervioustoallattacks,includingmagic.TheClericisstillaphysicalentityandmaystillcommunicate,block,andmovenormallyprovidedthatthecrystalremainsabovehishead.Noonemaycomewithin1’oftheCleric,normayanyoneattempttograbtheCleric.Likewise,theClericmaynotmovewithin1’ofanycreature.DispelMagicwillnullifytheeffectsofSanctuary.

SpeakwithDead3

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Cavalier–Rank2Cleric–Rank2

LengthCav-250syllablesC–200syllables Duration 3questions

Range Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Holysymbol

ThisspellallowstheClerictocontactandcommunicatewiththesoulofadeadcreature.Thesoulofthedeceasedisboundbythespelltoanswerthree‘Yes’or‘No’questions,afterwhichthecontactwiththesoulisbroken.Thesoulmustanswer‘Yes’or‘No’truthfullytothebestofhisunderstanding.TheClericmaynotmoveorspeaktoanothercreatureorthespellisbroken.Thespelldoesnotworkonundeadcreaturesorthosecreatureswithoutsoulsorspirits.

SpellofShielding2,3

Mage–Rank10Length 1,000syllables Duration SpecialRange Touch AreaofEffect SpecialMaterialComponent Silverfavor

ThisspellallowstheMagetoprotectanycreatureoritemfromonemagicalattack.AMagemayprotecthimselfat10thRank,othercreaturesat12thRank,anditemsat14thRank.Protecteditemsmayincludegates,siegeweapons,andmeleeweapons,butnotentireships;whenthisshieldingspelliscast,itencompassesallofthatparticipant’sgear.Whenthespelliscomplete,theMagemustplaceasilverstripofclothatleast3”wideby12”longonthetarget.Thismustbewornvisibly.SpellofShieldingactssimilarlytotheotherprotectionspellsexceptithasawiderrangeofprotectionagainstoffensivespells.Thisspellabsorbsanymagicallythrownortouchbasedattackdirectedattheparticipantprotected.Amagicalattackisanoffensivespellthatinuresorhindersanotherparticipant.TheSpellofShieldingdoesnotobstructthecaster'suseofanymagicorrelicsmuchlikeaProtectionfromFiredoesnothinderaparticipantprotectedfromcastingfire-basedspells.SpellofShieldingremainsineffectafterdeathforupto12minutes;thatistosay,iftheparticipantisresurrectedorAnimatedwithin12minutesofdeath,theprotectionremains,otherwise,itisdispelled.Onlyoneprotectionmaybeineffectatanytime;forexample,aparticipantwithSpellofShieldingmaynothaveProtectionfromFirecastontheshieldheiswielding.TwoormoreProtectionspellsnegateeachother.Thecastermaygenerateuptothreeoftheseprotectionfavors.Thecastermayonlyhaveoneprotectionspellactiveatatime.

Steelskin2,3

Mage–Rank10Length 500syllables Duration SpecialRange Caster AreaofEffect Self

MaterialComponent Greyfavorwith2blackcirclesincenter

ThisspellallowstheMagetoabsorballphysicalandmagicaldamage,exceptgreendamage,fromtwoattacks.AMagemayonlyhaveoneSteelskinspellineffectatanygiventimeandSteelskinmaynotbeusedinconjunctionwithStoneskin.Whentwoattacksareabsorbed,thefavormustberemoved;alternately,ifonlyonehitisabsorbed,theMagemayusetheStoneskinspelltoreplenishhisSteelskin.SteelskinmaybeusedinconjunctionwiththeBracersofDefense;inthissituation,anyattacksabsorbedarefirstdeductedfromtheBracersofDefenseandthenfromtheMage’sSteelskin.Steelskinmaynotbepouched.

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Thisspellmaybecastonceperdayandwillrechargeautomatically(justasnormalarmordoes)inHades,oruponthecallof"LayOn"atthestartofabattle.

Stoneskin2,3

Mage–Rank6

Length 200syllables Duration Special

Range Caster AreaofEffect Self

MaterialComponent Greyfavorwithblackcircleincenter

ThisspellallowstheMagetoabsorballphysicalandmagicaldamage,exceptgreendamage,fromoneattack.AMagemayonlyhaveoneStoneskinineffectatanygiventime.Whentheattackisabsorbed,thefavormustberemoved.StoneskinmaybeusedinconjunctionwiththeBracersofDefense;inthissituation,anyattacksabsorbedarefirstdeductedfromtheBracersofDefenseandthenfromtheMage’sStoneskin.Thisspellmaybecastonceperdayandwillrechargeautomatically(justasnormalarmordoes)inHades,oruponthecallof"LayOn"atthestartofabattle.

TruthSpeak3

Cavalier–Rank3Cleric–Rank2Mage–Rank2WarriorMage–Rank3Length 75syllables Duration 1questionRange Touch AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Classsymbol

Thisspellallowsthecastertoaskonecreatureanyonequestion.Thecreatureisboundtoanswerthequestioncompletelyandtruthfullytothebestofhisability.

TurnUndead1,3

Cavalier–Rank8Cleric-Rank8Length 300syllables Duration InstantRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 3ft.radiusMaterialComponent Yellowspellball

ThisspellallowsthecastertocalluponthepowerofhisDeitytosummonasphereofDivineenergyintoexistence.DependingonthepoweroftheUndead,andtheRankofthecaster,spelleffectswillvary.Thisspellwillpenetrateallarmorandshields.TheEldersoftheeventwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisspellaccordingtotheadventurerules;TurnUndeadwilldestroyanyundeadcreatureontheMonsterEncounterChart(seeChapterNine:LandRules)withinthe3’radius.

WarpWood1,3

Druid–Rank6Length 300syllables Duration PermanentRange Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 3ft.radiusMaterialComponent Greyspellball

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ThisspellallowstheDruidtowarpallman-sizedwoodenobjectswithina3’radiusofimpact,renderingthemunusable.WarpWoodwillaffectitemsincludingshields,bows,arrows,crossbows,bolts,javelins,polearms(whiteglaive,blackglaive,spear,halberd,andbattleaxe),yellowweaponsover4’inlength,planks,andordinarychests;itwillnotaffectlargeitemssuchassiegeweapons,gates,ships,oryellowweaponsunder4ft.WarpeditemsmayberepairedviatheMendingspell.WarpWoodmaybedispelledbeforeitseffectshavetakenplace,buttheeffectsofwarpingmaynot;awarpeditemmustbemended.

WordofHolding1,3

Cleric–Rank4Length 150syllables Duration Countof25Range Throwingdistance AreaofEffect 1creatureMaterialComponent Orangespellball

ThisspellallowsaClerictoholdanycreature,exceptdragons(seeDragonEncounterchartinlandrules)immobilethroughthepowerofhisDeity.Ifstruckbythespellball,thetargetmustremainmotionlessforaclear,audiblecountto25.Thisspellpenetratesallarmor,butdoesnotpenetrateshields.

ExplanationofFootnotes1-Spellsmarkedinthisfashionrequireaninvocationlinebeforetheyareconsideredcast.2-Thisspellmaybecastwithoutreadingthespellduringlandevents(landsearchesandinvasions)immediatelybeforeanEldercalls‘LayOn!’thecastermuststillexpendthespellpoint(s).3-Thisspellmaybedispelledwiththe‘DispelMagic’spell.

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Chapter Seven SpecialItemsTherearemanyspecialitemsthatcanbefoundthroughouttheRealmofDarkon.Theyincludecoins,poisons,potions,scrolls,Relics,andmanyotheritemsrelatedtospecificadventuresorquests.Mostoftheseitemscanbestolenorlootedbyotherparticipants.

CoinsTreasureplaysonlyasmallroleinactualbattle,butcanbecrucialduringadventures.ThemonetarystandardinDarkonisthesilverpiece.ForlargeamountsofmoneyacountryLeaderortheLandMarshalmayissueaCurrencyWrit,whichcanbetakentotheDarkonTreasuryfordisbursement.TopreventDarkonfromlosingphysicalcoins,participantshouldturntheircoinsintotheCoinMarshalattheendofeachevent.TheCoinMarshalwillthenplacethemintotheparticipant’saccount.Alternativelyparticipantsmaytaketheircoinswiththem,buttheyareencouragedtohaveatleast50%oftheirwealthwiththematalltimes.Darkonmoneycomesinvariouscolors:blackcoins,redcoins,goldcoins,silvercoins,andcoppercoins.Countriesmaywishtopurchasetheirowncurrency.Todoso,theymustchosethespecifications,includingdesign,color,andmonetaryvalue,andproposeittoSenateforapproval.Ifapproved,thecountrymustdeductthemonetaryvalueoftheircountryCoinsproducedfromtheircoffers.Forexample,acountryhascreatedaredMercMarkvaluedat23silverpieceseach.Iftheycreated1,000ofthesecoins,23,000silverpieceswouldbedeductedfromthatcountry’scoffers.ApprovedCoins:CopperPieces–thesearemintedbyDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andarecopperincolor.SilverPieces–thesearemintedbyDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andaresilverincolor.GoldPieces–thesearemintedbyDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andaregoldincolor.MercMarks–theseweremintedbyacountryandareredincolor.ProvincePieces–theseweremintedbyacountryandareblackincolor.Monetaryconversionsareasfollows:10CopperPieces(CP)=1SilverPieces(SP)10SilverPieces=1GoldPiece(GP)250SilverPieces=1MercMark500SilverPieces=1ProvincePiece

PoisonSomecharactertypeshavetheabilitytomakepoison;anycharactertypemayadministerpoison.PoisonsmaybeusedinalladventuresituationsaswellasLandWars.Theadventureskills/spells,neutralizepoison,immunitytopoisonandpurifyfoodanddrinkcanbeusedinanyscenarioinwhichtheuseofpoisonispermittedbytherules.Thereareseveralwaysto‘poison’anotherparticipant.Poisonmaybeappliedtoaparticipant’sweapon,food,ordrinkbyaffixingapieceofpurpleribbonortapetoit.Aparticipantmayonlyuseonedoseortypeofpoisonforeachweapon,fooditem,ordrinkpoisoned.Anyweaponmaybeusedtoadministerapoisonattack.Whenaparticipantstrikeswithapoisonedweapon,hemustverballyannouncethetypeofpoisonbeingusedaswellasitsduration.Poisonstakeeffectonthefirsthitthatinflictsawound.Thepoisonisconsideredexpendedonanyadditionalattacks.Poisoningaweapondoesnotincreasethenormaldamageofaweapon.Inorderforavictimtosuffertheeffectsofthepoison,theparticipantmustsufferalightwound,mortalwound,ordeath.AparticipantmustpossessaPoisonWritonhispersoninordertouseapoison.PoisonWritsareconsideredtreasure,andmaybestolenorlooted.Whenpoisonisappliedtoaweapon,food,drink,orotherobject,thewritisthendestroyed,regardlessofwhethertheattackwassuccessful.Alternatively,ifthepoisonisappliedtofoodordrink,theattackermaypre-arrangeforanEldertopresentthewrittothevictim.Thewritmustthenbedestroyedinthepresenceofthevictim.PoisonWritsareonlyvalidduringthedate(s)oftheeventinwhichtheywerecreated.Whenpoisoningthefood,drink,orutensilsofanotherparticipant,theparticipantwiththePoisonWritmustgivetheirwrittoanElderandinformtheElderofhisintentions.Hemustthencomeincontactwiththedrinkingvesseloreatingutensilhewishesto

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poison.IftheElderispresent,thentheparticipantmaysimplytouchorpossesstheitemtobepoisonedinthewitnessoftheElder.IfthereisnoElderpresenttowitnessthe‘placing’ofthepoison,thentheparticipantmustaffixapieceofpurpleribbonortapetotheitemforproofthathepossessedtheitem.Thepoisonattackisconsideredsuccessfulifaparticipanteatsordrinksfromthepoisoneditemwithinonehalfhourofthepoisoning;thepoisonisthenneutralizedandwillnotaffectanyoneelse.TheElderwilldiscreetlyinformthevictimofthepoison’stypeanddurationanddestroythewritinhispresence.Ifasuccessfulattackdoesnottakeplacewithinonehalf-hourofthepoisoningthepoisonisconsideredtohavelostitpotency,andtheElderwilldestroythewritandremovetheribbonortapeifitwasapplied.Allpoisonvictimsarerequiredtorole-playtheappropriateeffectsofthepoison.ClassIDeathPoison:ThevictimismortallywoundedandwilldieinlittleornopainPlant:(foxglove,hemlock,monkshood)5minutes,3SPtocreate Animal:(coneshell,arrowfrog,Asp)10minutes,6SPtocreateSupernatural:(wyverntail,Dragonclaw)Immediate,24SPtocreateClassIIParalysisPoison:Thevictimisconscious,butcannotmoveorspeak.AllmusclesarecompletelylimpPlant:(birdsfoot,woodbine)5minutesofparalysis,1SPtocreateAnimal:(spidervenom)10minutesofparalysis,2SPtocreateSupernatural:(ghoul’stongue,pseudodragontail)20minutesofparalysis,4SPtocreateClassIIIAgonyPoison:ThevictimisrackedbyunspeakablepainandiscompletelyincapacitatedPlant:(avengingangelmushroom)5minutesofagony,2SPtocreateAnimal:(lionfish,scorpion)10minutesofagony,4SPtocreateSupernatural:(harpyclaw,manticorespine)20minutesofagony,8SPtocreateClassIVHallucinationPoison:Thevictimgoestemporarilyinsane.Hecannotthinkorcontrolactions,andwillnotremembertheexperienceafterwardsPlant:(ergot,nightshade)5minutesofhallucinations,1SPtocreateAnimal:(Anyvenomcausingfear)10minutesofhallucinations,2SPtocreateSupernatural:(bansheeshroud)20minutesofhallucinations,5SPtocreateSupernatural:(bansheeshroud)20minutesofhallucinations,5SPtocreate

PotionsandScrollsPotionsandScrollsmaybecreatedbyMages,Druids,WarriorMages,andClericsof10thRankorhigher.Tocreateapotionorscroll,themakermustinformthePotionsandScrollsMarshal,ortheVicePresident,atcheck-inandpayacostof1GoldPieceperspellrank.ThemakermustalsodeclareatthattimewhattypeofPotionorScrollheismaking.ThePotionsandScrollsMarshalwillthensignanddatethepotionorscroll,makingitvalidforuse.Paymentisdueimmediatelyoncethepotionorscrollhasbeensigned.Aparticipantmayonlymakepotionsorscrollsduringanevent,andcanonlymakethemduringafulldayofadventuring(i.e.aparticipantmaynotmakeapotionorscrollontheFridaynightofacampout).PotionsandScrollsareconsideredtreasure,andmaybestolenorlooted.PotionsandScrollsarevalidupto1fullyearfromcreationdate.Acastermaymakeuptothreepotionsorscrollsoranycombinationthereofeachadayofanythattheycan(e.g.threeProtectionfromFire,ortwoGrowthandoneGaseousForm).Thecreationprocessrequiresthemakertohavethepotionorscrollcomponents.Potionsrequirea20oz.orsmallerplasticbottleorvialandthecomponentsofthespell(onedoseofpotionperbottle);scrollsrequirethespelltobewrittenonapieceofparchmentpaperandthecomponentsofthespell.Onlycharactertypesthatwouldnormallybeabletocastthespellmayuseascroll.Forexample,aMageandaDruidcouldbothuseaLightningBoltscroll,butaMagecouldnotuseaCureLightWoundsscroll.TheexceptiontothisisaThiefof9Rankorhigher;hemayusetheReadMagicalLanguagesability,seeChapterFive:TypesofCharacters,toreadandcastanyscroll.Whenwritingthespellonthescroll,thecreatorshoulddeterminethenumberofsyllablesaccordingtohisrank;therefore,thespelllengthmaybereducedupto50%ifthecreator’srankwarrantsthatreduction.Anyparticipantmayuseapotion.Nofluidmustbeinsidethepotionbottle,normusttheparticipantactuallyconsumeanyliquidtousethepotion;itisarepresentationandonlytherole-playedmotionsofdrinkingtheliquidandputtingonthespellcomponent,if

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any,arerequired.Anyphysicalcomponentsneededforthespellmustbeinsideof,orattachedto,thebottle.Potionsmayonlybecreatedforcertainspells;theyareasfollows:Spell RankSpellisAcquiredCureLight 1strankClericand3rdrank

DruidCureDisease 4thrankClericand7thrank

DruidCureSerious 5thrankClericand7thrank

DruidCureMortal 7thrankClericNeutralizePoison 5thrankClericand5thrank

DruidResurrection 10thrankClericProtectionfromLightning 3rdrankMageand3rdrank

DruidProtectionfromIce 4thrankMageProtectionfromFire 7thrankMageStoneskin 6thrankMageand7thrank

WarriorMageGrowth 7thrankMageand8thrank

WarriorMageGaseousForm 8thrankMage

SilverWeaponsParticipantsmaycreatesilverweaponsforrole-playingpurposes,orthepurposeofcreatingaHolyWeapon,seeChapterSix:SpellsandMagic.Tocreateasilverweapon,theparticipantmustpaytheappropriatecosttotheTreasurerorCoinMarshalandcovertheweaponinsilvercloth.Silverweaponsmaynotbestrippedfortheircomponents.Thecostsformakingasilverweaponareasfollows:Arrowheadsandcrossbowboltheads 10SPeach

Swords,Bars,Daggers,Clubs(measuredfromtopofhandletoquillonstothetipofthestrikingsurface),andQuarterstaffs(measuredfromendtoend)

20SPperlinearinch

Axes,Halberds,Maces,Hammers,andGlaives(measuredfromwidestpointofstrikingsurface)

50SPperlinearinch

Flails,MorningStars,Spears,andJavelins 400SP

RelicsThereareseveralitemsofrenownedpowerintheworldofDarkonknownasRelics.Thesemagicalartifactsarepriceless,andseveralofthemdatebacktotheearlyyearsofcivilization.ManyoftheseRelicshavebeenmissingforcenturies,butwillundoubtedlysurfaceastimegoeson.Relicsmustbyinplayatalltimes,unlessdamagedandremovedforsafetyreasons.ThisdoesnotaffectRelicslostduringalandsearch(seeChapterEight:LandRules).IfaparticipantdiesinpossessionofaRelic,hemaynotkeepitwithhiminHades;theRelicmustbeleftwheretheparticipantfellunlesstheparticipantdiesinsomeremotelocation,likethemiddleofthewoods.Inthiscase,theRelicmaybegiventoanEldertodistribute,butmaynotbekeptbythedeadparticipant.

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AlivingparticipantmaytakeaRelictoHadesoranElder,attheElder’sdiscretion,forrecharging,atacostof4minutespercharge.TheBracersofDefense,forexample,wouldtake12minutestofullyrecharge.Duringmulti-dayadventures,suchascampouts,Relicsautomaticallyrechargeatdawnofthenextday.AllRelicswillbecollectedattheendofeachbattleday,orwhentheadventureisoverinthecaseofmulti-dayadventures,toensurethattheyarepresentatthenextevent.RelicsarenottobetakenhomewithanyparticipantwithouttheexpresspermissionoftheRelicsMarshal.TheRelicsMarshalwillkeepalogofwhichcountrypossesseseachRelic.TheRelicsMarshalwilldistributetheRelicsatthebeginningofeacheventtothecountrywhorightfullypossessestheRelic.IfaRelicisnotclaimedatthebeginningofanevent,itisforfeited.ForfeitedRelicswillbedistributedrandomly.Relicsarenoticeablebytheirbrightgreencolor;Relicsmustbevisibleatalltimes(i.e.participantsmaynothidethemintheirclothing,pouches,etc.).TheSwordofSlayingThisSwordwasforgedbytheDwarvesofThorinRock,attherequestoftheirgreatleader,KingSultoVI.KingSultoneededthisbladetodefeatafire-breathingdragonthathadinvadedtheDwarvenstrongholdinsearchofgold.TheSwordwasthoughttobelostwhenagroupofmaraudingOrcsraidedthestrongholdlaterthatyearandkilledKingSulto;buthassincebeenfound.Thebladeisfinelyconstructedandverylight,exhibitingthevastskilloftheDwarvenweaponsmiths.Althoughitisthesizeofashortsword,thisSworddoesthedamageofanenchantedgreatsword(i.e.enchantedblackdamage).DaggerofVenomThisDaggerwascraftedbyevilDrowElvestoaidthemincontrollingthemanycourtsoftheRealmthroughthemeansofassassination.AlthoughcraftedbytheDrow,theDaggerhassincesurfacedtotheRealmofDarkon,andisrumoredtohavefallenintothehandsofanAssassin’sGuild.ThisDaggercontainsenoughsupernaturalinstantdeathpoisontoinstantlykillanymortalwithasinglestab.TheDaggerwillpierceanyarmorexpellingapoisoncharge;howeveritdoesnotexpelachargethroughshields.TheDaggerhasonechargeofthispoisonandmagicallyreplenishesthispoisonatthedawnofeachday.ItmayalsoberechargedbyaMage,inHades,oratthediscretionofanElder.Ifnotcharged,itactsasanormalenchanteddagger(i.e.enchantedreddamage).JavelinofLightningTheJavelinofLightningisajavelinthatdatesbacktotheearlyyearsoftheSkydwellerswhentheRealmofDarkonwasstillinitsinfancy.TheJavelinisathrowingweapononly,andcannotbeusedforstabbinginmeleecombat.Whenthrown,theJavelinactslikealightningrod.Onceitstrikesitsintendedtarget,itdoesmagicreddamageasifitwereanenchantedjavelin,thenimmediatelycallsdownlightninganddoesalightningboltattack(asperthespell).Itcannotbecaughtordeflected.IftheJavelinisthrownandmissesitstarget,orstrikesinanymannerotherthanalegaljavelinhit,itisstillcharged.IftheJavelinisthrownandconnectswithitstarget,itexpelsitschargeandisconsideredconsumedbythereactionandmaynotbeusedasanormalJavelin.TheJavelincanberechargedbyaMage,inHades,oratthediscretionofanElder.TheArrowofPiercingThismagicalArrowwasfashionedbytheWoodElvesofTangleForest.TheArrowiscapableofcausingamortalwoundifithitsanypartofthetarget’sbody.TheArrowwillalsopierceanyarmor,shield(excepttheShieldofDeflection,seebelow)orweapon,causingamortalwoundtothetargetwithoutdestroyingtheshieldorweapon.Thearchermustshout,“ArrowofPiercing!”whentheArrowconnectswithitstargettoavoidconfusion.Atthispoint,theArrowexpelsitscharge,isconsumedbythereaction,andmaynolongerbeusedasanormalarrow.IftheArrowshouldmissitstarget,itisstillchargedandmaybeusedagain.IftheArrowisnotcharged,itmayberechargedbyaMage,inHades,oratthediscretionofanElder.StaffofHealingTheGoddessClarrisalimbuedthisCeremonialStaffwithmagicalhealing.AnyhealingcharactertypeholdingthisStaffmustonlyreadhalfoftheirspelllengthtocastanyhealingspell.TheStaff’spowermaybeusedasoftenasdesiredanddoesnotneedtoberecharged.Clerics,Druids,Rangers,andCavaliersmayusethisartifact.ThisartifactdoesnotworkinconjunctionwiththeFighterabilityFirstAidortheMonkabilityCureLightWounds.

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WandofGartanTheevilArch-MageGartancraftedthisWandtoassisthiminleadinghisarmiestovictoryovertheKingdomsofGood.IthassincebeenlefttothehandsoftheinhabitantsoftheRealmofDarkon.TheWandiscapableof3boltsof‘MagicMissiles,’whichinflictblackdamage,butdonotdestroyshields.Blackspellballssymbolizethesebolts,eitherthoseaccompanyingtheRelic,orthoseofaMage.OnlyMagesmayusethisRelic.Toinvokethepower,theMagemustsay,“IsummontheMagicofGartan!”andthenthrowtheboltathistargetwhilepointingtheWandinthatdirection;failuretodeclaretheincantationlinewillresultinthespellnotgoingintoeffect.Afterthe3boltshavebeenexpelled,theWand’senergyisdepletedunlessrechargedbyaMage,inHades,oratthediscretionofanElder.TheBroochofShieldingThisTalismanwascraftedbyGnomishJewelsmithsforKylackKor,KingofthefierceSaavokNation.TheKingusedtheTalismantoprotecthimselffrommagic-usingcontendersofhisthrone.Anyonewearingthispowerfulamuletisunaffectedbymagicspellsandthemagicofcertainweapons.AllexistingmagicalconditionsoftheweareraretemporarilynullifiedwhiletheBroochisworn,includingStoneSkin,protectivespells,Barkskin,etc.Allweapons,includingenchanted,Holy,andotherRelics,thatcomeincontact(i.e.hittingthewearerorinthepossessionofthewearer)functionasnormalweapons.IftheBroochisremoved,allspelleffectsonthewearerandhispossessionsatthetimetheBroochwasdonnedreturntothestatetheywereinwhentheBroochwasputon.SpellcastersmaynotcastanyspellswhileincontactwiththeBrooch.ThewearerisalsoimmunetohealingmagicandmustremovetheBroochtobehealedbymagicalmeans.TheBroochmustbewornopenlyandvisiblyatalltimes.TheBrooch’spowerisusedasoftenasisnecessaryandneverneedstoberecharged.MaelstromThismightytwo-handedswordwasfirstusedbythefrostgiantsdwellinginthefrozenwastesaboveValdimar.TheMaelstromfunctionsasanenchantedgreatsword,butdealingthreepointsofslashingdamageinsteadofthetwopointsdealtbystandardblackdamage.Duetotheunwieldynatureofthefrostgiantweapon,itmustbewieldedatalltimeswithbothhands.Inadditiontohavingtheabilitytodealincreaseddamage,theparticipantinpossessionofTheMaelstromisimmunetoallcoldandfirebasedattacksandeffects.WhenstrikingaparticipantwithTheMaelstrom,thewielderistoannounce"Maelstrom!".TheMaceofDisruptionThisMaceisapowerful,one-handedweaponforgedbytheHighPriestsofMinathian.ItsenchantmentcanwreakhavocuponUndeadenemies.Inthehandsofanyparticipantpermittedtouseamace,itfunctionsasanenchantedmace.However,inthehandsofaCleric,itgrantsthewielderspecialpowers.Whenswungwithonehand,theMaceenablestheClerictodestroyshieldswiththreesolidblows.WhenstruckagainsttheUndead,itisconsideredaTurnUndeadspell,seeChapterSix:SpellsandMagic.Assassinsareunabletouse,oreventouch,thisweapon;todosowouldcausealightwoundtothelimbtouchingtheMace.TheMaceofDisruptionisnotaheadlegalweapon.BracersofDefenseTheweareroftheBracerscanabsorballphysicalandmagicaldamage,exceptgreendamage,fromthreeattacks.TheBracersmustbewornvisiblytobeineffectandwillnotworkinconjunctionwithanyarmor,exceptshields.AnyarmorwornmustbetakenofffortheBracerstobeeffective.TheBracerscannotbeseparatedforanyreasonatanytime.TheBracersworkinconjunctionwithaMage’sStoneskinorSteelskin(seespelldescriptions),butwillnotworkinconjunctionwithaDruid’sBarkskin.Afterthreeattackshavebeenabsorbed,theBracersmustberemovedandtheBracers’powerisdepleteduntilrechargedbyaMage,inHades,oratthediscretionofanElder.TheShieldofDeflectionTheShieldofDeflectionwasforgedathousandyearsagofromthescalesoftheDragynofSarum.TheShieldofDeflectionisa24”roundshieldthatisindestructible.AnycharacterthatcanuseashieldofthattypeandsizemayusetheShieldofDeflection.The

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Shieldcannotbedestroyedbyanymeansincludingshield-breakingweapons,otherRelics,suchastheMaceofDisruption,spells,orsiegeweapons,includingcatapultballsandballistabolts.ItshouldbenotedthatwhiletheShieldisindestructible,itdoesnotpreventareaofeffectdamagetotheuser.Forexample,ifaMage’sFireballhitstheShield,theShieldisnotdestroyed,butuseroftheShieldisstillmortallywoundedaspertheradiuseffectoftheSpell.TheShield’spropertiesmaybeusedasoftenasnecessaryanditdoesnotneedtoberecharged.RavenswrathRavenswrathisaone-handed,single-bladedaxeforgedbythepriestsofthewargoddessMorrígutodrivebacktheFomorianarmyofBaloroftheEvilEye.ItwaslastlentthegreatheroCúchulainnbutwasagainlostwhenhewasslainbyLugaidmacConRoí.Ravenswrathdealsmagicwhitedamage,however,inthehandsofaFighter,theaxedestroysshieldswiththreedirectblows(twoforbucklers)andallowsitswieldertostandtallagainstgiant-sizedparticipantsandcreatures.AnyclasscapableofusingwhiteaxesmayuseRavenswrath.

AdventureSpecificItemsManytimesduringadventures,theEldersoftheeventwillhavecertainitemsthatarepartoftheadventure.Thesemayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:magicweapons,magicarmor,potions,scrolls,wands,cards,etc.UnlessanElderstatesotherwise,theseitemsmaybelootedandstolenlikenormaltreasure.

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Chapter Eight Knights,NoblesandTitlesintheRealmofDarkon

TheHighKingTheHighKingisaknightthathaswonthetitlethroughcombatorwarwithotherknights.HisroleistoarbitrateamongthenationsoftheRealmofDarkon,appointroyalpositionswithintherealmasheseesfitandgenerallyattempttomaintainthepeaceoftheland.Hispowerislimitedbythesupport,orlackof,fromthenations,Masters/MistressesandknightsoftheRealmofDarkon.AnewHighKingsitssafelyuponhisthroneforaperiodoftwelvemonthsaftercoronation.Attheendofthetwelve-monthperiodhebecomessusceptibletoaCrownWar,thewarmaybedeclaredatanytimeafterthefirsttwelve-monthperiod.IfaHighKingsurvivesaCrownWaranothercannotbecalledforsixmonths.AfulltermforaHighKingistwelvemonthsfromcoronation.Foreachcoronationanniversary(12monthperiod)thataHighKingisonthethronetheyreceivethenexthighernobletitle(SeeNobleTitles).TheHighKingdoesnotofficiallytakethenewtitleuntiltheystepdownorlosetheseatofHighKing.IftheHighKingabdicatesforanyreason,ortheparticipantchoosestoleavethegamethusleavingthepositionofHighKingvacantaCrownWarshallbeheldtoselectthenextHighKing.Failingtoattendmorethan50%oftheeventsoveracoronationyear(the12monthsfollowingcoronationoranniversary)shallbeautomaticallyconstruedasabdication,unlesstherearemitigatingcircumstancestobedeterminedbytheCouncil.

KnightsAknightisapersonthathasearnedthetitleofKnightoftheRealm.Knightsshallbeknownas“Sir/Dame[charactername]”,maywearasymboloftheirowndesignupontheirpersonandshield,havearetinue,andconfertheirtitleupontheirconsort.Thepersonalsymbolshallcountin-lieuofthecountrysymbolatcheck-inforpurposesofinsuringcountrieshavetheappropriatenumbersforevents.Knightsalsohavetheoptionofusingthetitleof“Lord/Lady”.

BecomingaKnightoftheRealmInordertobecomeaknight,theparticipantmustserveasasquireforayear,orbeapprovedunderspecificcircumstancesetbytheCouncilortheserules.Tobecomeasquiretheparticipantmusthaveacharacterof10thrankorhigher,haveaqualifiedknightasasponsorandsubmitanOut-Of-CharacterpetitiontotheCouncil.Thepetitionshouldlistallthereasonsandqualificationstheparticipanthasastowhytheyshouldhaveacharacterknighted.IfapprovedbytheCouncilthenewSquirewillbegintheiryearofservice.Duringtheyearthesquiremustattend75%ofthescheduledevents,actaselderforfiveofthoseevents,holdamarshalposition,andattendasanon-votingmemberoftheCouncil.Thesponsoringknightwillmaintaintherecordofthesquiretopresentforreviewattheendoftheyear.AttheendoftheyeartheCouncilandBoardwillreviewtherecordandpetitionoftheparticipanttoinsurethattheymettherequirements.Ifapprovedforknighthood,thesquirewillgobeforeaknightofthesquireschoosing,orclubPresident,andknighthoodwillbebestowedupontheparticipant/characterinthenameoftheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andtheRealmofDarkon.TheCouncilisnotobligatedtoawardaSquirewiththetitleofknight.Toavoidbeingasquiretheparticipantmusthave25characterlevels,atleastone15thlevelcharacterandthecharactertobecometheknightmustbe10thlevelorhigher.TheparticipantmustsubmitanOut-Of-CharacterpetitiontotheCouncillistingallthereasonsandqualificationstheparticipanthasastowhytheyshouldhaveacharacterknighted.IfapprovedbytheCouncilandtheBoardaknightofthepetitionerschoosing,orclubPresident,shallbestowtheknighthoodupontheparticipant/characterinthenameoftheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.andtheRealmofDarkon.

NobleTitles

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Anobletitleisanelevatedtitlethatknightsmayearn.Thetitlesusedandinorderofprecedenceare:Sir(KnightoftheRealm),Baron,Earl,Marquise,Count,Duke,Prince,Archduke,andHighKing.YoumayonlyobtainArchdukebybecomingHighKingwhenyouwerealreadyaPrince.WhenyouarenolongerHighKing,youthenbecomeArchduke.YouonlybecomeHighKingbywinninginCrownWar(seetheCrownWarsection).Otherwise,advancementasanoblecanbedoneviathefollowingmethods:1.)BysittingasHighKing.Youearnthenexthighertitleforeach12continuousmonthsonthethrone.2.)BybeingelevatedbytheHighKing(onceevery24months)3.)BysucceedinginaNobleCouncilTournamentasaChallenger(every12months).Challengersarepre-approvedbytheNobleCouncil.4.)BybeingelevatedbytheNobleCouncilforservicetothegame(onceevery24months)Youcannotearnmorethanonetitleina12-monthperiod,buteachmethodisonitsowntimer.So,theHighKingcouldelevateyouoneyear,andyoucouldthenfightinaTournamentfortitlethenext.

OtherTitlesSeeArticleVIofthebylawsforothertitlesthatcanbeearned.

KnightsRetinueAknight’sretinueiscomprisedofthosewhohaveswornfealtytoagivenknightandhavebecomehisloyalretainers.Theretainermustweartheirliege'sliverywhilethewearingofacountryliveryisuptotheknight,retainerandtheretainers’country.Iftheretainerwearsacountry'slivery,whichsetofliverytakesprecedence(i.e.,whichsymbolislarger)isuptotheknight,theretainer,andtheircountry.Iftheknightandtheretainerareinthesamecountry,theknight’sliverycancountasthecountrylivery.ToformaretinueaknightmustshowtheHighKingthathehasabannerandliveryfortheretainer.SpecialNote:DisguiserulesmaybeusedpertheDarkonRulesofPlaytodisguiseasagenericretainerofaknightthoughtheretinueandtheknightmayhaveothermeanstoidentifyoneanotherunknowntotheindividualindisguise.

CrownWarACrownWarisdeclaredbyaknightwishingtobetheHighKing.Thereisnolimitationtothesizeofthearmiesandparticipationdoesnotnegatetheparticipants’abilitytoparticipateinotherlandevents.WhenaCrownWarisdeclaredanyknightmaybringhisfollowersandalliesuponthebattlefield.Anygroupornumberofgroupswillbegiventimetoformastheywish.Ifthereisanissuewithposition,theHighKingwillgetfirstchoiceastowhatgroundhewisheshisarmytostartwith,thenthechoicegoesinorderoftitleprecedence.When“Lay-On”iscalled,anyandallarmiesmayfightastheychoose,aswellasmakeandbreakalliancesastheychoose,untilthereisoneobviousknightcontrollingthefield.InordertogainorretaintheHighKingtitle,knightsvyingforthispositionmustbepresentandonthefieldwhenlayoniscalled,howevertheyneednotbealiveattheendofthebattletoemergevictorious(itisassumed,theyhaveresurrectingclericssomewhere)IfthevictorofthisbattleistheHighKingortheHighKing’sarmy,theCrownWarisfinishedandtheincumbentwillremainHighKing.IftheHighKingsarmyloses,thevictoriousarmymuststateforwhomtheyarefighting,thisknightbecomesthechallengerandasiegebattleoccursimmediately.TheHighKingwillreformhisarmywithinTarimstadtcastleatwhichpointthechallengermaylaysiege.Unlikeanormalsiegebattle,whenattackingtheRoyalCityofTarimstadt,therearenotanynumberrestrictionsforeithertheattackerordefender.IftheHighKinglosesthesiegethenthevictoriousknightiscrownedtheHighKing.IfthearmyoftheHighKingwins,thethenhewillremainHighKing.TheHighKingandtheChallengeralsohavetheoptiontoaskforsinglecombat.SinglecombatwillbeatournamentfightpertherulesoftheCouncil.IfthisoptionisrefusedbothpartieswillhavetofightinaCrownWar.

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HighKing’sChoiceUponcoronationandateachanniversaryofcoronation,theHighKingmayelevatetheknightsofhischoosingthenexthighertitle.

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Chapter Nine LandRulesTheworldofDarkonconsistsofmanyCountriesthatownlandandresourcesontheRealmMapofDarkon.TheRealmMapisarepresentationofallCountriesandtheirassetswithinDarkon.Themapdisplaysthelandsbelongingtoeachcountryinhexagonalunitscalled‘Hexes.’Hexes,alsoknownas‘Provinces’whilein-character,producemoneytosupportacountry’sactivities.Featuresthatmayresideonhexesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,Castles,Towns,andMines.Castlesprovidedefensesforacountry’shexes,whiletownsandminesareasourceofadditionalincome.Countriesmayexpendincometosearchandacquiremorehexes,builddefensivestructures,attackanothercountry’shexes,orpurchaseothergoodsandservices.ThefollowingLandRulesestablishthewayinwhichCountriesconductthebusinessoftheirassets.TheserulesgovernhowCountriesmayinteractontheRealmMap,andhowtheymaygainandspendmoney.TheinterpretationoftheLandRuleswhileonthefieldisatthediscretionoftheLandMarshal.ThetimingandschedulingofLandActionsareatthediscretionoftheBoard.WithinputfromtheSenate,theBoardwillfinalizethescheduleatthebeginningofeachcalendaryear;anychangestotheschedulemustbeapprovedbytheEB.

NewCountriesThoseparticipantswhowishtoformanewcountrymustsubmitatyped,detailedcountryhistorytotheSecretary.Oncethesecretaryhasapprovedanewcountry,theyaregivenassetsontheDarkonrealmmap. Countriesarealsoencouragedtocreateacountrymap,correspondingwiththerealmmapaswellasdeveloptheirculture,imports,exports,resources,tradeagreements,etc.Eachnewcountryisgranted13hexesofland,oneofwhichisdesignatedthecapital.Thecapitalhexisconsideredtobeafortifiedcity,havingbothacastleandcity(seedefinitionsbelow)placeduponit.Thenewcountry’sliaisonwillworkwiththeLandMarshaltoplacethesehexesontherealmmapanddesignatewhichhexistoactasthecapital.AlloftheseHexesmustbeadjoining,andnohexmaybemorethana3hexradiusfromthecapital.Ifthisplacementisnotpossible,allowancesmaybemadeatthediscretionoftheLandMarshal.Additionally,eachnewcountryisalsogranted7,500silverpiecesknownasits‘coffers’.Eachcountrymustdesignateacastletheyowntoactastheir‘treasury.’Thetreasurywillbelocatedatthecapitalcastleforallnewcountries,butmaybemovedaccordingtotherulesbelowifacountryconstructsadditionalcastles.Inadditiontofunctioningasanormalcastle,thisstructurealsocontainstheentirecoffersofthecountry.Atthispoint,thenewcountryisfreetoacquirenewland,constructassets,andtransfermoniesasdescribedbelow.

CountryLeadersAcountrymayhaveuptotwodesignatedleaders,whichspeaksforittotheMagistrate,andisresponsiblefortheactionsofitsmembers.

SenatorsAcountryshouldsenduptotwoSenatorstoeachSenatemeetingtodiscussandvoteupontheintroductionofnewrules,theclarificationofoldrules,andanyotherbusinesstheMagistratehasfortheSenate.

LandMarshalLiaisonsEachcountrymustdesignateoneortwopersonstobeliaison(s)totheLandMarshal.ThispersonshallberesponsiblefornotifyingtheLandMarshalofanylanddeclarationsmadebytheircountry.Thisincludestheplacingoforiginalhexesofland,LandSearches,Invasions,andtheplacingandconstructionofStructures.SeeChapterEight:LandRulesforexplanationoftheseterms.

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RevenueandFundsAsstatedabove,acountry’sfundsareknownasits‘Coffers.’Ingeneral,hexesoflandandminesproduceincomeonaseasonalbasis;acquiringland,constructionofassets,andupkeepofassetsexpendincome.ItisthedutyoftheLandMarshaltorecordandmaintainthebalancesheetsofeachcountry;uponrequest,acountryLiaisonmayreceiveacurrentcopyofhiscountry’sbalancesheetatanytimefromtheLandMarshal.Revenueisgeneratedtwiceayear,itiscreditedordebitedfromthecountrycoffersontheVernal(March21)andAutumnal(September21)seasonalequinoxes.CountriesmaytransferfundstootherCountries.Todoso,acountry’sLiaisonmustpresenttheLandMarshalwithasigned,writtencertificateindicatingthetransfertobeexecuted,includingthedenominationandthecountrythatthefundsaretobetransferredto.Acountrymaytransferupto25%ofitsCoffersperevent.CountryLiaisonsmayalsowithdrawfundsfromtheircountry’sCoffersintheformofphysicalcoin.IssuanceofphysicalcoinistobedoneattheLandMarshaland/orCoinMarshal’sdiscretionandasinglecountrymayneverbeissuedmorethan10%ofthetotalphysicalcoinageintheClub’spossession.

Structures,Resources,andIncomeStructuresandResourcesarecollectivelyknownas‘Assets.’Assetsarethepropertyofthecountryowningthem,notofindividualparticipants.Resourcesareassetsthatproducemoneyorprovideotherbenefitstoacountrywithoutrequiringanupkeepcost;thesemayincludehexesofland,roads,settlements,mines,andships.Commonresourcesaredescribedaccordingtothechartbelow.Hex:ThisisoneunitoflandontheRealmMap.AHexproduces500silverpiecesperseason.AHexmayhaveuptothreeitemsonit.Thisislimitedto1Structure(Fortification),1Settlement(City,Town,orVillage),andoneother(Mineornon-Fortification/non-Settlementprize).Roads:Roadscost100silverperhexperseasoninmaintenancewithaninitialcostof100silverperhex.Theycanbebuiltconcurrentlywithboats,structuresorsettlements.Asectionofroadtakesoneeventtobuildandisdefinedasconnectingonelandhexownedbythecreatingcountrytoanadjacentlandhexownedbythecreatingcountry.Alllandhexesadjacenttoseahexesareconsideredconnectedbyroadtootherlandhexesadjacenttoseahexeswherethereisanunbrokenchainofseahexesbetweenthemforthepurposesof“CollectionofCountryIncome”and“CreationofArmies”.Village:ThisisasmallSettlementthatproduces100silverpiecesperseason.Town:ThisisamediumsizedSettlementthatproduces250silverpiecesperseason.City:ThisisthelargestofSettlements,producing500silverpiecesperseason.Mine:ThisisanaturaldepositofvaluableorethatincreasestheIncomeoftheHexthatitison.ThereareseveraltypesofMines,allofwhicharedescribedlateralongwiththeirIncome.MinesarediscoveredonHexesoflandduringlandsearchesorareawardedasprizes.Caravel:Atradingvesselwithpoordefensivevaluethatproduces500silverpiecesperseason.Frigate:AnaveragevesselthatproducesanIncomeof250silverpieces.ManO’War:ThishugevesselmakesnoIncome,butisthemostpowerfulmilitaryship.Structuresprovidedefensivecapabilitiestothehexonwhichtheyarelocated.Theyproducenoincome;rather,theyhaveanupkeepcostassociatedwiththemthatmustbepaideachseason.Ifacountryisunable,orrefusestopayupkeeponanyownedStructuresattheendoftheseason,thosestructuresreverttoruinsandwillnolongerprovidedefensestothathex.Structuresmaybebuiltorplaceduponhexesofland;theyaredescribedaccordingtothechartbelow:Tower:ThisisasmallStructurewithanUpkeepof100silverpiecesperSeason.

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Keep:ThisisamoderatelysizedStructurewithanUpkeepof250silverpiecesperSeason.Castle:ThisisalargestructurewithanUpkeepof500silverpiecesperSeason

GainingAssetsAllResourcesandStructuresmustbeacquired;commonmethodsofacquisitionarespoilsofbattle,prizesfromadventures,andgiftsorpurchasesfromotherCountries.SomeassetscanbeconstructedbyCountriesforacost.Themonetarycostispaidupfrontfromthecountry’sCoffersandconstructionthencommences.Aftertheconstructionperiodhaselapsed,theassetisconsideredtobecompleteandallbenefitsorcostsassociatedwiththatstructureapply.Structures,settlements,andshipsmaybebuiltasdescribedinthechartbelow:Caravelsilverpiecestobuild:3000eventstocomplete:3Frigatesilverpiecestobuild:1500eventstocomplete:3ManO'Warsilverpiecestobuild:5000 eventstocomplete:8Towersilverpiecestobuild:1250 eventstocomplete:2Keepsilverpiecestobuild:5000 eventstocomplete:5Castlesilverpiecestobuild:10000eventstocomplete:10Village silverpiecestobuild:625eventstocomplete:2Town silverpiecestobuild:2500 eventstocomplete:5City silverpiecestobuild:5000 eventstocomplete:10Acountrymayonlybuildorupgradeoneassetatatime.Structuresandsettlementsmustbeconstructedonlandhexesownedbythecountry;shipsmayonlybeconstructedonvacantseahexesadjacenttoalandhexownedbythatcountry.Thereisnolimittothenumberofassetsacountrymaypossessaslongasthecountryhasthehexesavailabletohousetheassetsandisabletopaytheseasonalupkeep.Acountry’sLiaisonmaypresenttheLandMarshalwithwrittennoticeofacountry’sdesiretoupgradeastructureorsettlementtothenextlargersize(shipscannotbeupgraded).Oncetheassettobeupgradedisselected,constructionbeginsandthedifference

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incostbetweenthecurrentasset’ssizeandthedesiredsizeispaid.Whenthedifferenceinconstructiontimehaselapsed,theassetisthenconsideredtobeofthesizepaidfor.Iftheseasonendswhileanassetisbeingimproved,butnotyetcomplete,onlythesizeoftheoriginalassetisconsideredforpurposesofincomeorupkeep.Acountrymaynotconstructanewassetandimproveanassetatthesametime.Acountrymaynotimproveanassetforanothercountry;acountrymayonlyupgradestructurestheyown.Example:AcountryconstructsaVillagesettlement,whichcosts625silverpiecesandtakes2eventstocomplete.Sixmonthslater,thecountrydecidestoupgradethatVillagetoaTown.Thecountrythenpays1,875silverpieces,i.e.thedifferencebetweenthecostsofconstructingaVillageandaTown.Afterthreeeventselapse,i.e.thedifferencebetweenconstructingtheseassets,theformerVillageisnowconsideredtobeaTownandwillproduceaseasonalincomeof250silverpiecesaccordingtotheResourcechartabove.Iftheendofaseasonweretofallduringthe3eventimprovementperiod,theassetwouldhaveonlyyieldedthe100silverpieceincomeofaVillage,ratherthanthe250silverpieceincomeofaTown.

CollectionofCountryIncomeCountriescanonlycollecttheincomefromhexesthatarenearsettlementsandsaidsettlementsareconnectedtoacountry’scapitalbyroads.Villageswouldcollecttheincomefromallborderinghexes,townsdosoatatwohexradiusandcitiesatathreehexradius.

CreationofArmiesCountrieshaveonlytwomethodsofspawningarmies:-Countriesmaycreatearmymarkersfromhexesnearstructureswheresaidstructuresareconnectedtoacountry’scapitalbyroads.Towerscanspawnarmiesinallborderinghexes,keepsinatwohexradiusandcastlesinathreehexradius.-Alternately,acountrymaycreateanarmywithintheradiusofastructureasdefinedaboveifsaidstructureiswithintheradiusofasettlementasdefinedunder“CollectionofCountryIncome”.Inthiscaseneitherthesettlementnorthestructureneedbeconnectedtothecountry’scapitalbyroads.

LandActionsLandActionscanbebothOffensiveandDefensive.CountriesmayonlyinitiateoneOffensiveLandActionpereventwhereLandEventsaretakingplace;thetimebetweentwoeventswhereLandActionsaretakingplaceiscalleda‘turn.’AnOffensiveLandActionisdefinedasaLandSearch,Invasion,orSiege;aShipAttack;aTransferorReceiptofhexes,orRelocationofanyassetexcludingships.AnOffensiveLandActionmayonlybecarriedoutifthecountrypresentsitsbannerandfourormoremembersinsurcoatsby1:00PMattheeventwheretheLandActionistotakeplace.CountriesmayparticipateinanunlimitednumberofDefensiveLandActions.DefensiveLandActionsaredefinedasdefendinganattackingforceonLandorSea.CountriesmayparticipateinDefensiveLandActionsaslongasthereisatleastonesurcoatedmemberofthatcountrypresent.IndividualparticipantsmayonlyengageinoneOffensiveLandActionpereventasdescribedabove.TheymayalsoparticipateinasmanyDefensiveLandActionsastheircountryisinvolvedinduringthatevent;thisincludesdefendingagainstanothercountry’sinvasionandattacksatsea.WhenparticipatinginLandEvents,participantsmustplaythecharactertheyselectedduringcheck-inforallLandActions.Hiringoutasamercenaryisconsideredtobeanindividual’sOffenseLandActionforthatevent;however,hemayparticipateinallapplicableDefensiveLandActionsforthecountryhehashiredoutto,aswellasanyDefensiveActionsinvolvinghisowncountry.

TransfersandRelocationsofAssets

TransferofAssetsWhilemoneycanbefreelyexchangedbetweenCountriesasdescribedabove,thetransferofAssetsishandleddifferently.

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Hexes:Acountrymaynottransferanyofits13originalhexestoanothercountry,butmayfreelytransferanyadditionalacquiredhexestoanothercountry.TotransferaHex,acountry’sLiaisonmustprovidetheLandMarshalwithawrittendeclarationoneturninadvanceofthetransferdate.ThetransferofahexfromonecountrytoanotherisconsideredtobetheOffensiveLandActionforbothCountriesinvolvedduringtheeventofthetransferandmayonlyoccurateventswhereLandActionsaretakingplace.Countriesmayonlytransfer/receiveonehexperevent.Ships:AcountrymayfreelytransferShipstoanothercountry.TotransferaShip,acountry’sLiaisonmustprovidetheLandMarshalwithawrittendeclarationoneturninadvanceofthetransferdate.ThetransferringcountrymustalsosailtheShiptoaseahexadjacenttoalandhexofthecountrytheshipisbeingtransferredtobeforethetransferiscomplete.Structures,Settlements,andResources:AcountrymaynottransferStructures,Settlements,orResourcesunlessthehexonwhichtheassetislocatedisalsotransferred.Inthiscase,thehexmustbetransferredfirstandtheassetmaybetransferredatthenexteventwhereLandEventsaretakingplace,againutilizingtheOffensiveLandActionofeachcountryinvolved.Prizes:AnyAssetsawardedasprizes,regardlessoftype,maynotbetransferredtoanothercountryuntiltheyhavefirstbeenplacedontheRealmMapundertheownershipofthewinningcountryorrecipient.Onceplaced,theymaybetransferredaccordingtotherulesforStructures,Settlements,andResourcesabove.Anyprizeawardedthatisrepresentedonthelandmap(e.g.aship,oraguild)musthaveaspecificstructuretypelistedwhenplaced.Anystructurethatiscurrentlyonthemapwillbeclassifiedasa“Tower”ifithasnotbeenspecified.Anyshipthatiscurrentlyonthemapwillbeclassifiedasa“Frigate”ifithasnotbeenspecified.Theseassetsfollowallcurrentrulesforstructures/settlements/ships,maybetakenbyanothercountry,andfalltoruiniftheupkeepisnotpaideachseasonbycontrollingcountry.

RelocationofAssetsCapitalandTreasuryCastlesmayberelocatedtootherCastlesthatacountryisinpossessionof.MovingaCapitalorTreasuryCastleisconsideredtobeanOffensiveLandActionforeachhexthroughwhichtheCapitalorTreasuryistobemoved.Theymaybemovedthroughhexesinthecountry’spossession,vacanthexes,andthehexesofotherCountrieswiththeirpermission;however,CapitalsandTreasuriesmaynotbemovedthroughwaterorseahexes.WhenrelocatingaCapitalCastlespecifically,theCapitalCitymoveswithit.WhenmovingCapitalorTreasuryCastles,theyareconsideredtobeattheiroriginallocationuntilthemovementiscomplete.Oncecomplete,anormalCastleisallthatremainsontheoriginalhex.PhysicalassetssuchasCastles,Keeps,Towers,andMinesmaynotberelocated.Shipsmaybemovedaccordingtotherulesformovementbelow.

Land&SeaMovementForacountrytoacquirenewhexes,itmustcreateanAdventurepartyorArmytotravelto,andSearchorInvade,thedestinationhex.ThePartymaysetofffromanyofitscountry'shexesusingthemovementrulesunder"LandandSeaMovement",butmaynotinitiatemovementfromthepropertyofanothercountry.AvarietyofterraincanbefoundthroughouttheRealmasshownontheRealmMap;eachtypeofterrainrequiresacertainnumberofmovementpointstocross.Atthebeginningofeachturn,alladventurepartiesreceive12movementpoints.Whilepartiesmayconsistofparticipantsofanyclass(es),partiescontainingDruidsandRangersexclusivelyreceiveamovementbonusasdescribedbythechartbelow:MovementChartTerrainType MovementCost Druids&RangersOnlyPlains 2MovementPoint 2MovementPointsForest 4MovementPoints 2MovementPointsMarsh/Swamp 4MovementPoints 2MovementPointsMountains 6MovementPoints 4MovementPointsJungle 6MovementPoints 4MovementPointsDesert 6MovementPoints 4MovementPointsWater(aboardaship) 1MovementPoint 1MovementPoint

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Ifanadventurepartyembarksonajourneytoahexthatisbeyonditsmovementpointsforasingleturn,theSearchorInvasionwillnottakeplaceuntiltheeventatwhichthepartysuccessfullyreachesthedestination.Example:IfanadventurepartyofaFighter,Druid,andAssassindesiredtomoveacross2Junglehexes,theywouldbeabletodosoinoneturn’stime.However,iftheyneededtocross3Junglehexes,theywouldarriveintwoturn’stime.Alternately,ifthepartyconsistedofonlyDruidsandRangers,theycouldhavereachedeitherdestinationinoneturn’stime.Partiesmaymovenormallythroughthehexesofanothercountrywiththatcountry’spermission,providingthatcountrynotifiestheLandMarshaloftheiracceptance.Ifacountrydeniespassage,thecountryseekingpassageisfreetoinvadeandattempttoconquerthehexesthroughwhichitwishestotravel.Ifanadventurepartyhasnotreachedit’sdestinationattheendofaturnan‘Army’iconisplacedontheRealmMaptodesignatethelocationofthetroops/adventureparty.AnArmymayexistinanunexploredhexwithoutlandsearchingit,orinthehexofanothercountrythathasgrantedpermissionfortheArmytoenteritslandknownasthe‘Hostcountry.’ForeveryturnofanArmy’sexistence,theowningcountrymustpayanimmediateupkeepcostof25gold.Inaddition,theHostcountrymustpayanupkeepcostof25goldperturnifanArmyislocatedinanyofitshexes.AnArmymaybedissolvedatanytimefornocost;also,ifanArmylosesanOffensiveAction(LandSearchorInvasion)itisautomaticallydissolved.IfanArmyisinthehexofanothercountryandtheHostcountrydeniesfurtherpermissionfortravel,orrefusestopaytheupkeepcost,thecountryowningtheArmymaychoosetouseitsOffensiveActiontoinvadethehextheArmyisoccupying;alternatively,theowningcountrymaychoosetodissolvetheArmyatnocost.AnArmyisarepresentationoftheoffensivemightofitsowningcountryandmaycontinuetomovenormallyandlaunchOffensiveActionsaslongasitisdoesnotloseanOffensiveActionandtheupkeepispaid.AnArmymayalsobeuseddefensivelytodefendthehexitoccupies,butthisisconsideredtobetheowningcountry’sOffensiveAction;iftheowningcountryisunableorunwillingtouseitsOffensiveActiontodefenditscurrenthex,thentheArmyisautomaticallydissolved.IfanArmyisoccupyinganothercountry’shex;thatisunderattackbyathirdnation,itisthedecisionoftheHostcountrytodecideiftheHostcountry’sforcesortheforcesoftheArmywillbeusedtodefend.AcountrymaycreateorHostasmanyAdventurepartiesorArmiesasitwishessolongasitcanpaytheappropriateupkeepeachandeveryturn.

AcquiringLandHexesoflandmaybeacquiredbyLandSearchorInvasion.Inorderforeithertooccur,acountry’sLiaisonmustprovidetheLandMarshalwithawrittendeclarationoneturninadvanceindicatingtheHextobesearchedorinvaded.LandSearchingandInvadingareconsideredOffensiveLandActionsandeachcountrymayonlydeclareoneoftheseactionsperevent.Acountrymaybegineitherformofacquisitionbycreatingandsendingoffanadventurepartyasdescribedabove.

LandSearchesLandSearchingisanattemptattheacquisitionofunclaimedhexesoflandthroughexploration.AnycountrymayLandSearchastheirOffensiveLandActionduringaneventwhereLandEventsaretakingplace.ThisrequiresawrittendeclarationtotheLandMarshalfromthecountry’sLiaisonwiththecoordinatesoftheunclaimedhextobesearchedoneturnpriortotheattemptedsearch;LandSearchingalsorequirestheaccompanimentofaRangerof3rdRankorhigher.LandSearchbattlesarefoughtaccordingtoAdventureRules.LandSearchescost500silverpiecesfora3personparty,inclusiveoftherequiredRanger;additionalparticipantsmayjointhepartyatacostof250silverpiecesperperson.AtthetimetheLandSearchtakesplace,thecountrypaystheappropriatecostfortheLandSearchasoutlinedabove.AttheoptionoftheLandMarshalhewilleitherselectapartymembertorolltheappropriatediceontheMines&RuinsChart,theLandFertilityChart,andtheMonsterEncounterCharttodeterminethepropertiesofthedesiredhexor,atatimeoftheirchoosingwithawitness,rollthemselves.NoteiftheLandMarshalrolls,thewitnessistosignthesheetswiththeirrealname.ThisoptionisgivensotheMarshalcanhavethepaperworkreadybeforetheysteponthefieldtofacilitateplay.Ifmonstersarepresent,theassembledpartymustvanquishallfoespresentuponthehexinorderfortheLandSearchtobesuccessful.ThevictorofaLandSearchbattleisdeterminedbyasingleencounterbetweenthepartyandtheresidentmonstersIftheadventurepartyisvanquished,thesearchingcountrygainsnothing,butstillpaysallcostsassociatedwiththefailedLandSearch.However,iftheRangerescapesthebattlesuccessfullybyrunningmorethan100’fromanymonsterspresent,thecountrymaydeclarean‘Invasion’ofthathexatthenextavailableopportunitywithaproperdeclarationtotheLandMarshaloneturnin

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advance.Invasionsaredescribedbelow.IftheRangerdidnotescapeandthepartyisvanquished,theLandSearchhasfailedcompletelyandtheSearchingcountryhasnoknowledgeofthefailedLandSearchattempt.AsingleRangercharactermayonlyleadLandSearchpartiesonceeveryotherevent.IfaRangeriskilledonaLandSearch,regardlessoftheparty’ssuccess,hemaynotleadaLandSearchforthenexttwoturns.IfmultipleCountriessubmitdeclarationstoLandSearchthesameHexoflandsimultaneously,thecountryspendingtheleastmovementpointstoarriveatthedesiredhexperformsthesearchfirst,theother(s)followinmovementpointorderencounteringthepreviousforceandormonsterafterthatforceisfinished.Ifmultiplepartiesspendanequalamountofmovementpointstoarriveattheselectedhex,theyarrivesimultaneouslyandmayeitherseekadiplomaticresolution,orbattleeachother,inadditiontoanyresidentmonstersofthehex.Thevictorofthismulti-waybattleclaimsthehex;ifallpartiesaredefeated,thehexremainsunclaimed.Note,whenmultiplebattlesoccurforahexeveryoneinthepreviouswinningbattleisconsideredraisedandhealedforthenextbattle.AllrulesregardingRangersandsubsequentinvasionsasoutlinedaboveapply.IfaLandSearchisunsuccessful,theLandMarshalisrequiredtorecordallinformationaboutthathexforuseinfutureLandSearchesofthathex.Thisincludesallmonsters,Ruins,andresourcesasapplicable.

InvasionsAcountrymayinvadepreviouslyexploredhexes,includingboththoseofanothercountryandhexeswherefailedLandSearcheshaveoccurred.AnycountrymayinvadeapreviouslyexploredhexastheirOffensiveLandActionduringaneventwhereLandEventsaretakingplace.ThisrequiresawrittendeclarationtotheLandMarshalfromthecountry’sLiaisononeturnpriortotheinvasionwiththecoordinatesofthehextobeinvaded.Whentravelingtothehextobeinvaded,normaladventurepartymovementrulesapplyasexplainedabove.Invasionsofpreviouslyexploredhexescosts750silverpiecesperhexinvaded.DuringInvasions,boththeInvaderandDefenderarelimitedtothenumberofparticipantsthatmayfightontheirside.TheInvadersmayfieldalloftheirsurcoatedmembersthathavechecked-inthatevent;theymayalsobring/hireadditionalalliesequaltothenumberoftheirsurcoatedmembers.TheInvadingforcemustdeclaretheirtotal,final,numberofattackersby1:00PMonthedayoftheeventwheretheinvasionistotakeplace.TheDefendermayfieldallofitssurcoatedmembers.IfthatnumberisgreaterthantheforceoftheInvader,theDefendermayfieldallofitsmembers;ifthatnumberislesserthantheforceoftheInvader,theDefendermaybring/hirealliestomatchthenumberoftroopstheInvaderisfielding.Example:AnInvadingcountryhas14membersinsurcoatsthatcheck-inatthatevent.Thecountrymaybring/hireanadditional14participantsfromtheRealm,bringingthetotalInvadingforceto28Invaders.IftheDefendingcountryhas29membersinsurcoatsthatcheck-inatthatevent,thecountrymayfieldallofthem;however,iftheDefendingcountryonlyhas9surcoatedmembersthatday,theymaybring/hireanadditional19allies,bringingtheirtotalDefendingforceto28eveniftheInvadingcountrydoesnotfieldthe28participantsithaddeclared.

Multi-countryInvasionsIfmultiplecountriesinvadethesamehexduringthesameturn,thecountryspendingtheleastmovementpointstoarriveatthedesiredhexperformstheinvasionfirst,theother(s)followinmovementpointorder,encounteringthepreviousforceafterthatforceisfinished.Ifoneinvadingforceconquersthehexanycountriesthatarescheduledtoattacksubsequentlymaychoosetocallofftheirattacksortoattackthenewownersofthehex.Ifmultiplecountriesareattackingthesamehex,atthesametime(i.e.movementpoints),theymaychoosetocombineheirattacksortofightseparately.Allmembersofacombinedattackmustagreetobeapartoftheattackandbeabletolaunchaninvasionofthetargetedhex.Ifacombinedattackoccurs,allsurcoatedmembersoreachcountrythatispartofthecombinedattackfieldingthatdaywillbeusedtodeterminetheinvadingforce.Notewhenmultiplebattlesforasinglehexeveryoneinthepreviouswinningbattleisconsideredraisedandhealedforthenextbattle.Example:countryA(whofields10peopleinsurcoats)andcountryB(whofields15peopleinsurcoats)areattackingthesameprovinceofcountryC.Theattacksmayberesolvedasathreeway;or,ifbothAandBagree,theymaycombinetheirattacks.Thecombinedinvadingforcewouldconsistof25Invadersinsurcoats,andtheymaythenbring/hireupto25additionalallies.Countriesconductingasuccessfulcombinedattackmayeitherdesignatewhichattackingcountrywillgainthehexbeforetheattackoccurs,ormaychooseinsteadtograntthehextothelastremainingcountryonthefieldofbattle.

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InvadingAfteraFailedLandSearchInvasionsofpreviouslyLandSearchedhexesthatwerenotsuccessfullyconqueredmaybeinvadedasdescribedabove.ThevictorofthistypeofInvasionisdeterminedbyasingleencounterbetweentheInvadersandtheresidentmonsters.AdventureRulesapplytothistypeofInvasion.TheRangerwholedtheoriginalpartydoesnotneedtobepresentduringthissubsequentinvasion.

InvadingtheHexesofAnothercountryAcountrymayinvadetheHexesofanothercountryasdescribedabove.ThevictorofthistypeofInvasionisdeterminedbyasingleencounterbetweentheInvadingandtheDefendingarmies.ScrollsandPotionsmaynotbeusedduringthistypeofinvasion.

SiegesIfahexcontainsaStructure,itisconsideredtobeafortifiedhex;fortifiedhexesprovidebenefitstothedefendersofthathexdependingontheStructurepresent.AhexisnotconsideredtobeconqueredbytheInvadersunlessboththehexandtheStructurehavebeensuccessfullydefeated.Tosiegeastructure,theInvadersmustfirstsuccessfullyfightanInvasionofthehexinquestionasexplainedabove.Forpurposesofsieges,theInvasioniscalleda‘fieldbattle’indicatingitisafightforthehexonwhichthestructuretobebesiegedresides.AtthenexteventwhereLandEventsaretooccur,asiegebattlewilltakeplace.ItdoesnotcostanythingadditionaltosiegeaStructure.InvadersandDefendersaredeterminedbythenumberofcountrymembersinsurcoatsasexplainedabove.Liketheinvasion,siegebattlesaredecidedbyasinglebattlebetweentheInvadingandDefendingarmies.IftheInvadersuccessfullysiegestheStructure,boththeStructureandthehexarethenconsideredtobethepropertyoftheInvader.IftheInvaderdoesnotwinthesiegefight,anewfieldbattlemustbefought.IftheDefenderswinthefieldbattle,thehexisconsideredtobesuccessfullydefended;iftheDefenderslosethefieldbattle,theInvadersmaylaysiegetotheStructureonceagain.ThiswillcontinueuntiltheInvaderssuccessfullyconquerboththehexandStructure,theDefenderssuccessfullydefendthehex(andStructure,ifapplicable),oruntiltheInvadersceasestheattack.BattleRulesapplytoSieges;SiegesareconsideredtobeOffensiveLandActions.DuringtheactualSiege,theDefenderisofferedtheprotectionoftheStructurewhichfortifiesthehex.AropedoffareawillrepresenttheStructureforpurposesoftheSiegeBattle.TheStructureisconsideredaFortificationandmustadheretotherulessetforthforFortificationsinChapterFour:Combat,includingthecreationanddestructionofgates.AdestroyedgatemaybefullymendedwiththeMageSpell‘Mending.’Additionally,forthepurposesofSieges,Structuresmaynotbesetundercover,theremustbeatleast10’betweenallwallsandanyphysicalobstructionssuchasfences,andeachStructuremayonlyhaveonegate.Gatesshouldbedistinguishablefromtherestofthestructure.StructuresmayallowfortheDefendingpartytofieldparticipantsinadditiontotherulesexplainedabovefordeterminingthesizeofInvadingandDefendingarmies;StructuresalsooffershelteraspertheFortificationrulessetinChapterFour.Occupancyofthevariousstructures,aswellasadditionalparticipantsallowedanddimensions,aredescribedaccordingtothechartbelow:TowerDefendergainsnoadditionalwarriors10defendersmaybeinside15feetx15feetKeepDefendermayfield3additionalwarriorsTheentireforcemaybeinside30feetx30feet*CastleDefendermayfield7additionalwarriorsTheentireforcemaybeinside40feetx40feet*

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*KeepsandCastlesmaybeexpandedattheLandMarshal’sdiscretionifthesizeoftheArmypermitsIfacountry’sTreasuryCastleissuccessfullybesieged,theInvadingcountrymayseizealloftheDefendingcountry’sCoffers.ShouldanInvadingarmysuccessfullysiegeacountry’sCapitalCastle,thecastleisnotconsideredtobetrulyconquered;however,theDefendersaretrappedintheCastle.WhiletrappedintheCapitalCastle,theDefendingcountrymaynotearnIncomebutisstillresponsibleforUpkeeponallassetsrequiringit.TheDefendingcountryisthenrequiredtofightsiegeaftersiegeuntiltheyaresuccessfulandreclaimtheCastleortheInvaderceasestosiegetheCastle.

ShipsandSeaBattlesShipsnotonlyproduceincome,theyarealsoofgreatvaluestrategically.Shipsmaytravelatarateof12movementpointsperturnasdescribedabove.Shipstransportingtroopshaveamovementcostof500silverpiecesperturnandmustleavefromaseahexadjacenttoalandhexownedbyitshomecountry.Stationaryshipswithtroopsaboardcost250silverpiecesperturntomaintain.Onlyoneshipmayoccupyahexattheendofaturn;theymay,however,intersectwhileinmotion.Shouldthisoccur,bothCountrieswillberequiredtoindicatewhethertheywillpasspeacefullyorseektointercepttheothership.InterceptingashipisconsideredtobeanOffensiveLandAction.

ShipBattlesIfacountryinterceptsaship,aShipBattlewilloccur.Shipsmaycontainparticipants,siegeequipment,takedamage,andhavedimensionsaccordingtothechartsbelow:CaravelHolds10warriorsHolds1siegeweaponSunkby3Fireballsin5minutes15feetx10feetFrigateHolds20warriorsHolds2siegeweaponsSunkby4Fireballsin5minutes15feetx25feetManO'WarHolds30warriorsHolds4siegeweaponsSunkby4Fireballsin5minutes15feetx40feetThesamerulesgoverningthesizeoftheInvadingandDefendingarmiesforInvasionsapplytoShipBattlesunlessbothshipsdeclaretheirintenttointercepttheothership,utilizingtheirOffensiveLandAction.Inthiscase,thecountrywiththegreaternumberofsurcoatedmembersatthateventwouldbeconsideredtheInvaderforpurposesofdeterminingnumbers,whiletheothercountrywouldbeconsideredtheDefender.Forthepurposeofshipbattles,shipsarerepresentedbyropedoffareasaccordingtothesizeoftheshipsinvolved.Theseropedoffareasaresetparalleltooneanotheratadistanceof10’.Shipsmaybeequippedwithupto3‘planks,’madefromcardboardandnowiderthan3’,toassisttroopsincrossingfromoneshiptotheother;planksmustreachthefulldistancefromoneshiptotheothertobecrossedsafely.Planksmaybedestroyedby1hitfromanygreendamageweapon(Fireball/SiegeWeapon)orbytheDruidSpell"WarpWood".Assassins,Monks,and,Thievesmay‘swingonropes’fromoneshiptotheother.Todoso,bothhandsmustbefreeandtheparticipantmustrole-playtheactofswingingonropesfromoneshiptotheother.Otherclassesmayjumpfromoneshiptoanother,buttheymustlandfullyontheothershiportheywillbeconsideredtobeinthewater.Anyparticipants,equipment,orplanksthatfallorareknockedintothewaterareconsideredsunkwithfewexceptions.ParticipantsinAC0,AC1,orAC2mayswimtotheirownshiportheenemyshipbycrawlingontheirhandsandknees;bothhandsmustbefree.

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Also,anyparticipantstruckbytheMagespell‘IceStorm’willfloatforthedurationofthespellandmaybedraggedaboardashipbytwootherparticipants.Shipsarenotdamagedbynormalweapons,buttheycanbedamagedby‘greendamage’suchastheMagespell‘Fireball’orsuccessfulhitsfromsiegeweapons.Shipsmaytake‘greendamage’hitsaccordingtothechartaboveatwhichtimetheywillsinkifnotrepairedwithin5minutes.Ifashiptakesdamage,itmayberestoredbytheMagespell‘Mending’atarateofonemendperhittaken.Shipsindangerofsinkingmustbefullymendedbeforethe5min.timeperiodisuportheshipisdestroyed.ThevictorofaShipBattleisdeterminedbyasingleencounterofthetroopsaboardeachship.Inordertowin,onepartymustnotonlyvanquishtheotherparty,butmustalsohaveashiptocarrythemthathasnotindangerofsinking.Ifthesuccessfulpartycanmanandmend(ifapplicable)theenemyship,theymayclaimthatshipaswellanditwillbeplacedonahexadjacenttowherethebattletookplace.Example:ACoastalhexbelongingtocountryAisexactly10seahexesawayfromaCoastalhexbelongingtocountryB.BothoftheseCountriessailshipstotheotherCountries’coastline.Thetwoshipsintersectwhileenroute;countryAusestheirOffensiveLandActiontointercepttheshipofcountryB.Ashipbattleisfoughtaccordingtotherulesabove.Alternatively,bothcountryAandBmayhavechosentoallowtheshipstopasspeacefully,inwhichcasenoshipbattlewouldhaveoccurredandtheshipswouldhavecontinuedontotheirrespectivedestinations.

BlockadesCountriesmaycreatea‘blockade’withaproper,writtendeclarationtotheLandMarshaloneturninadvance.Tocreateablockade,aCountymustsailaFrigateoraManO’Wartothedesiredseahex,nofurtherthan6hexesfromoneofthecountry’sowncoastalhexes.Whiletheblockadeisinplace,theblockadingshipmustremainstationary,anymovementoftheblockadingshipwillrendertheblockadenullandthecountrymustre-declareitsdesiretoblockadethehexinquestion.Ablockadecosts100silverpiecesperturn.Whileashipisblockadingahex,anyattemptstopassthroughtheblockadeareconsideredanOffenseLandActionandtheblockadingcountrymayengageinaDefensiveLandActionindefenseoftheblockade.Additionally,theblockadingshipmaychoosetointerceptanyshipseekingpassageasaDefensiveLandAction.Allotherrulesfornormalshipbattlesapply.

AmphibiousInvasionsAmphibiousInvasionsoccurwhenacountrysailsashipwithtroopsaboardandattacksthecoastalhexofanothercountry.CountriesmayinvadeotherCountriesbymeansofanAmphibiousInvasionwithproper,writtendeclarationtotheLandMarshaloneturninadvance.AnAmphibiousInvasionisconsideredanOffensiveLandActionandthesamerulesforInvasionsaswrittenaboveapplytoInvasionsofthistype,includingtherulesfordeterminingthesizesoftheInvadingandDefensiveArmieswiththeadditionalstipulationthatacountrymayattackaCoastalhexwithoneshipforeachsideofthehexthatisadjacenttowater.Example:countryAhasacoastalhexsurroundedonthreesidesbywater,orthreeseahexes.countryBmayattackwithuptothreeshipswithtroopsaboard(andthusthreeshipsworthofwarriorsandsiegeweapons)providedtheyeachattackfromadifferentadjacent,seahex.Forpurposesoftheactualbattle,amphibiousinvasionsaresimilartoship-to-shipbattles,exceptthatthedefendingshipisland.A50-footorlongerropeisusedtodemarcatethewaterfromtheland.TheboundariesofthelandaresubjecttothediscretionoftheLandMarshal.Theattackermustrepresenttheirshipwithropepertheshipbattlerules,mayonlyhaveanarmythemaximumsizeabletobecontainedontheirboat,andmustuseplankstomakelandfall.Theclosestsideoftheshipmustbeset10feetawayfromthelanddemarcation.Playerswearingstuddedleatherarmororlightermay“swim”tothe“beach”andmaystandupuponcrossingthelanddemarcation.Additionally,Monks,Thieves,andAssassinsmay“swing”fromtheshiptothelandaspership-to-shipbattlerules.Shouldthedefendingarmywinthebattle,theymayimmediatelytakepossessionoftheattacker’sship,destroyit,orotherwisedowithitastheywish,assumingtheshipremainsintact.OwnershipoftheshipisimmediatelytransferredovertothedefendingCountrywithoutrequiringaLandAction.

Equipment,SpellCasting,&LandEventsRelics(seeChapterSeven:SpecialItems)mayonlybeusedinoneLandEventperday;duringInvasions,thecountryinpossessionoftheRelicwhenthebattlecommencesretainspossessionofitatthebeginningofanysubsequentbattles.ThevictorsofanInvasion

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mayclaimRelicsusedintheInvasionforuseinthenormallyscheduledevent.Allotherequipment,includingsiegeequipment,weapons,andarmorarereusableduringanevent’sLandEvents.Spellsdenotedwitha2footnoteinChapterSix:SpellsandMagic,maybepre-castforthepurposesofLandEvents.Otherspellsmaybecastnormallyoncebattlecommences.

Administration

TheRealmMapTheRealmMapisagraphicaldepictionofallCountries’Assets,includinghexes,ships,structures,andresources.TheRealmMapismaintainedbytheLandMarshalinadditiontothebalanceofeachcountry’sCoffers.CofferbalancesareavailableonlytotheirrespectiveCountries;however,theRealmMapispublicknowledgeandmaybeseenbyanycountryLiaisonuponrequest.TheRealmMapmaybeexpandedatthediscretionoftheSenateandtheBoard.

DeclarationsAlldeclarationsforLandActionsatthenexteventmustbereceivedbytheLandMarshalpriortotheendofLandEventsatthecurrentevent.ThisincludesShipBattles,LandSearches,LandInvasions,etc.OncealldeclarationsarereceivedandtheendofLandEventsisannounced,theLandMarshalwilldetermineallencounterstooccuratthenexteventandpubliclyannounceallLandActionsthatwilltakeplace.Thisannouncementwilltakeplacebeforetheendoftheday’sregularevents.

RoyalCityofTarimstadtTheRoyalCityofTarimstadtistheseatoftheneutralcityforusebytheHighKing.ThecityisunaffiliatedwithanycountryanditscoffersandlandsbelongtotheofficeoftheHighKing.TheHighKingcannotexpandtheseholdings,buildstructuresorshipsaboveandbeyondwhattheserulesprovide.TheassetsoftheRoyalCityofTarimstadtarelimitedtothosedetailedintheserulesandcannotbealteredwithoutachangetotheserules.TheRoyalCityofTarimstadtconsistsof7hexesforminganislandinthecentralsea.Theonlystructureonthehexesisthecityandcastleinthecentralhextodenotethecapitalhex.TheRoyalCityalsoownsatotalof3frigates.Shouldanyoftheseassetsbelostthekingmayrecapturethelosthexesorrebuildthelostships,payingforthemoutoftheRoyalCoffers.

RoyalCoffersTheRoyalCoffersisthetotalamountofmoneyattheking’sdisposalforperforminghisroleasHighKingofDarkon.Thesourceofthismoneyisrevenuefromthehexesandfrigates,taxesfromcountriesandindividualsandfinesfromindividuals.TheHighKingmaycollectasmuchas250spperseasonfromtheindividualsintaxes.TheHighKingmaycollectasmuchas250spperseasoninfinesfromtheindividuals.TheRoyalCofferscanonlybeusedtopayfordefendingtheRoyalCity,rebuildingships,recapturinglosthexes,andpayingNoblesandotherindividualsforservicesrendered.TheRoyalCoffersmaynotbeusedtosupplementhiscountrycoffer.WhentheHighKingpaysanythingoutoftheRoyalCoffersheisrequiredtodosoinactualcoin.ChecksandcreditmaynotbegivenoutoftheRoyalCoffers.IfthereisnoHighKingofDarkonthentheRoyalCofferscannotbeaccessedbyanypersonuntilanewHighKingtakesthethrone.

AttackingtheRoyalCityNotallcountriesorindividualssupporttheHighKing,andmanymayseetobringhimlowbytakinghislandsfromhimwhilenotincurringthewrathofthenationtowhichtheHighKingmaybelong.TodothisanindividualorgroupmaychoosetoattacktheRoyalCityashexesandassetsoftheRoyalCityareopentoattackandorcapture.ForpurposesofDefendingandAttackingactionsbothsidesintheconflictoftheRoyalCityareconsideredtobetakinganAttackActionfortheindividualsinvolved.

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TobringwartotheHighKing:AttackasperthenormalLandRules.TheHighKingandhisretinue,supportingKnightsandtheirretinues,andsupportingMasters/MistressescountastheHighKing’ssurcoatedmembers.ShouldtheinvadingarmysuccessfullysiegetheRoyalCity’sCapitalCastle,thecastleisnotconsideredtobetrulyconquered;however,theDefendersaretrappedintheCastle.WhiletrappedintheCapitalCastle,theRoyalCitymaynotearnincome,otherthantaxesoutlinesabove,andisstillresponsibleforupkeeponallassetsrequiringit.TheArmyoftheRoyalCityisthenrequiredtofightsiegeaftersiegeuntiltheyaresuccessfulandreclaimthecastle,theinvaderceasestosiegetheCastleortheHighKingrunsoutofmoney.IftheHighKingisunabletobreakthesiegebeforerunningoutofmoneyheloseshisabilitytoissueorders,collecttaxesorholdacourt.HeisrenderedineffectiveuntilhisownnationandtheknightsthatsupporthimareeventuallyabletofreetheCapitalHexfromtheinvaders’controloruntiltheinvadersleave.OncetheRoyalCityCapitalCastleisfreed,theHighKingandinvadershaveseveraloptionsopentothem.1)TheHighKingmaycounter-attackinanefforttodrivetheinvadersfromthelands.2)IftheHighKingranoutofmoneyhemaysitandattempttocollectmoneyintaxesinordertopayanarmytoforceouttheinvaders.3)TheInvadersmaywithdrawfromthelandsleavingittotheHighKing.TheInvadersmaystayonthelandandcollecttheseasonalrevenuefromitwhilewaitingfortheHighKingtodeclarewarandbeginattemptingtotakethelandback.ShouldtheattackersmaintaincontrolofthelandaroundtheRoyalCitytheymaydowithitwhattheylikeEXCEPTtransferittoanothercountryortransfertheirowncapitaltothehex;andnocountrymaytakeitfromtheinvadersinwar.Shouldtheinvadingcountrygodefunctorthecapitaloftheinvadingcountrycomeundersiege,thatcountrywouldlosecontrolofthehexesaroundtheRoyalCityandtheKingmayagainreclaimthemashisholdings.

RandomRollCharts

EncounterChanceChartDicearerolledaccordingtotheproceduresstatedunderLandSearchestodeterminewhatmonsters,ifany,arediscoveredonnewland.Somepowerfulencountersmaymodifyaparty'spercentchanceofdiscoveringMinesorRuins. 01-10NoEncounter11-40Humans41-60Humanoids61-80Undead*81-94Giants95-97Dragons98Fortifications*99LandMarshal’sChoice00Rollagain,doublingnumberofMonsters,ignoringanyfurtherrollof00

HumanEncounterChart01-2010PeasantsinAC0andpolearmsorhandweapons(noshields)21-362BrigandsinAC2,2Archers**inAC037-463BrigandsinAC2,2Archers**inAC147-543KnightsinAC3,1Mage(10thRank)55-613KnightsinAC3,1Cleric(10thRank)

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62-684BarbariansinAC2,alltakeanextrahit69-7420Peasants(1hit,noshields),1PeasantHeroinAC2withShield75-805BrigandsinAC281-856BarbariansinAC2(2HandedWeaponsOnly),alltakeanextrahit86-895BrigandsinAC2,4BrigandsinAC3,1Mage(20thRank)90-934KnightsinAC3,1ChampioninAC494-962BrigandsinAC2,2BrigandsinAC3,1BrigandinAC4withshield.

+5%Mines&RuinsChart.97-984KnightsinAC3,1Cavalier(20thRank)inAC4.

+5%Mines&RuinsChart994BrigandsinAC1,2BrigandsinAC2,2BrigandsinAC3,andDruid(20thRank)

+10%Mines&RuinsChart00AdventuringParty(5people,anyclass,20thRank).

+15%Mines&RuinsChart

HumanoidEncounterChart01-1010Goblins(1hit)11-1520Goblins(1hit)and1GoblinKing(2hits)16-203OrcsinAC0and1Ogre(6hitsandgiant)21-246OrcsinAC0and1OrkBossinAC325-352HobgoblinsinAC236-445HobgoblinsinAC145-528HobgoblinsinAC153-606GnollsinAC2,3haveshields61-6210GnollsinAC263-693BugbearsinAC370-783BugbearsinAC3,1BugbearShamaninAC3(1Entangle,1

LightningBolt,1CureLightWounds)79-8710Goblins(1hit),5OrcsinAC1,5HobgoblinsinAC2.

+10%Mines&RuinsChart88-942HobgoblinsinAC1,2GnollsinAC2,2BugbearsinAC3.

+15%Mines&RuinsChart95-9810Goblins(1hit),2OrcsinAC0,2Hobgoblinsin

AC1,2GnollsinAC2,2BugbearsinAC3.+20%Mines&RuinsChart

99-0020Goblins(1hit),10OrcsinAC0,5HobgoblinsinAC1,plus1OgreMagi(6hits,giant,2LightningBolts,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon).+25%Mines&RuinsChart

UndeadEncounterChart*-ASilverweapondoesdoubledamagetoanyUndeadCreature*01-255Skeletons(AC1,reddamagehasnoeffect,destroyedby

onehitfromanon-redHolyorBlessedweapon)26-505Zombies(AC2,destroyedbyonehitfromaHolyor

Blessedweapon)51-755Mummies(AC3,destroyedbyonehitfromaHolyor

Blessedweapon.1minuteAgonypoisonwitheachdamagecausinghit)

76-855SkeletalKnights(AC3,(Reddamagehasnoeffect,destroyedbytwohitsfromanon-redHolyorBlessedweapon)+5Mines&RuinsChart

86-903Ghouls(AC4,destroyedbytwohitsfromaHolyorBlessedweapon,1minuteParalyzationpoisonwitheachdamagecausinghit)+10Mines&RuinsChart

91-951Banshee(7hits,DamagedonlybyMagic,HolyorBlessedWeapon.May“Scream”onceperencountercausingaCurseeffectin

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A3ftradiusfromspellballimpact.Bansheecallsout“Curse,3ftRadius”Whenthrowingspellball.+15Mines&RuinsChart

96-981Lich(8hits,damagedonlybyMagic,HolyorBlessedweapons.Takes2xdamagefromHolyWeapons(sincetheyaresilvered),ImmunetoTurnUndeadunlessClericislvl30+,3Fireballs)+20Mines&RuinsChart

991FleshGolem(9hits,doesnothavetofightonkneesvsGiantSizedopponents,damagedonlybyMagic,HolyorBlessedweapons,doesblackdamagewithweapons)+25Mines&RuinsChart

001Vampire(10hits,damagedonlybyHoly,Blessed,Magicweapon).ImmunetoTurnUndead,doesblackdamagewithweapons)and3Thralls(0levelHumans,noshields,noarmor)+30Mines&RuinsChart

GiantEncounterChart01-252Owlbears(AC4,giant)26-504Owlbears(AC4,giant)51-601Troll(6hits,giant,healsselfatrateof1hitperminute,

Fireballkillsinstantly)61-705Ogres(6hitsandgiant).

+10%Mines&RuinsChart71-803Trolls(6hits,giant,healsselfatrateof1hitper

minute,Fireballkillsinstantly).+15%Mines&RuinsChart

81-905Ogres(6hitsandgiant)and1OgreMagi(6hits,giant,2LightingBolts,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapons).+15%Mines&RuinsChart

91-932HillGiants(8hitsandgiant).+10%Mines&RuinsChart

94-962FrostGiants(9hits,giant,doesblackdamage,immunetoicespells).+15%Mines&RuinsChart

97-992FireGiants(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage,immunetofirespells).+20%Mines&RuinsChart

001StormGiant(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage&shieldbreak,3lightningbolts,immunetolightningspells,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon)+25%Mines&RuinsChart

DragonEncounterChart01-152JuvenileBlueDragons(5hits,usewhiteorredweapon,1LightingBolteach).

+5%Mines&RuinsChart16-302JuvenileWhiteDragons(5hits,usewhiteorredweapon,1IceStormeach).

+5%Mines&RuinsChart31-452JuvenileRedDragons(5hits,usewhiteorredweapon,1Fireballeach).

+10%Mines&RuinsChart46-55 1AdultBlueDragon(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage,3LightingBolts,ImmunetoLightningBolt,Damagedonly

byMagicWeapon).+15%Mines&RuinsChart

56-65 1AdultWhiteDragon(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage,3IceStorms,ImmunetoIceStorm,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon).+15%Mines&RuinsChart

66-75 1AdultRedDragon(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage,3Fireballs,ImmunetoFireball/BurningHands,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon).+20%Mines&RuinsChart

76-99 1Hydra(15hits,giant,2Fireballs,Regenerates1hitevery30secondstorepresentheadregrowth.Doesnotregenerateafterbodyiskilled.Playedby3people;1bodyand2“heads”.HeadsareImmunetoalldamage/spells,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon)+30%Mines&RuinsChart

00 1ChromaticDragon(15hits,giant,doesblackdamage,3Fireballs,3IceStorms,3LightingBolts,playedby3people,DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon).

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+30%Mines&RuinsChart

FortificationEncounterChart*Theseencountersarefoughtwithastructure/fortificationonthefieldofplay.Thestructurehas1accessiblegatetoitwhichwillbeindicatedbytheLandMarshal.Oncedestroyed,thesegatesarenotabletobemendedbyanymeans.*01-20Wizard’sTower-1Mage(Rank20),1Apprentice(Rank8),3Novices(Rank4) Successfuldefeatofencounterhas10%chanceofsalvagingaTtoweronthishex.country maypay50%ofTowerpricetoplaceaTowerhere.21-40Lord’sTower-1KnightinAC4,4ManatArmsinAR2,2Archers**inAR4 Successfuldefeatofencounterhas10%chanceofsalvagingaToweronthishex.country maypay50%ofTowerpricetoplaceaTowerhere.41-55HauntedTower-5SkeletalKnights(AC3,Reddamagehasnoeffect,

destroyedbytwohitsfromaHolyorBlessedweapon),1Ghost(4hits,destroyedby1hitfromaHolyorBlessedweapon,mayPasswallatwill.)

Successfuldefeatofencounterhas25%chanceofsalvagingaToweronthishex.country maypay50%ofTowerpricetoplaceaTowerhere.55-70 GoblinKeep(30’x30’)-20Goblins(noweaponsover4ftinlength,1hit),5Hobgoblins(AR3)1GoblinKing(2

hits) Successfuldefeatofencounterhas10%chanceofsalvagingaKeeponthishex.country maypay50%ofnormalKeeppricetoplaceaKeephere71-85 FortifiedKeep(30’x30’)-10SoldiersinAR3,5KnightsinAR2,2Archers**inAR4,1Mage(Rank10),1Clericin

AR2(Rank10),1LordinAR0 Successfuldefeatofencounterhas10%chanceofsalvagingaKeeponthishex.country maypay50%ofnormalKeeppricetoplaceaKeephere86-95 Giant’sLair(40’x40’)-6HillGiants(8hits,giant)and1HillGiantChieften(10hits,giant,doesblackdamage)

Successfuldefeatoftheencounterhasa10%chanceofsalvagingbrokenCaravelparts.countrymaypay50%ofnormalCaravelpricetobuildaCaravel.

96-99DesecratedTemple(40’x40’)-20Zombies(AC2,destroyedbyonehitfromaHolyor

Blessedweapon),5Ghouls(AC4,destroyedbytwohitsfromaHolyorBlessedweapon,1minuteParalyzationpoisonwitheachdamagecausinghit)5Banshees(7hits,destroyedbytwohitsfromaHolyorBlessedWeapon.May“Scream”onceperencountercausingaCurseeffectina3ftradiusfromspellballimpact.Bansheecallsout“Curse,3ftRadius”Whenthrowingspellball.Successfuldefeatofencounterhas25%chanceofsalvagingaKeeponthishex.country

maypay50%ofnormalKeeppricetoplaceaKeephere00Dragon’sLair(40’x40’)-AncientRedDragon(20hits,ImmunetoFireBasedSpells,giant.

Playedby4participants(Head,2Claws,Tail)Headhas2singleblades,Clawshaveblacksword,tailhasspear.ClawsdoBlackDamage&haveshieldbreak,Taildoesdoublereddamageandhasshieldbreak,headdoesblackdamageandtheparticipantmaythrow5fireballs(Mustwait5secondsbetweeneachthrow),DamagedonlybyMagicWeapon.Successfuldefeatofencounterhas25%chanceofsalvagingaCastleonthishex.country

maypay50%ofnormalCastlepricetoplaceaCastlehere** In the event that the land search takes place in a bow prohibiting the use of Bows, replace “Archer” with “Spearman”

MinesandRuinsChart

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WhenanewHexisexplored,dicearerolledaccordingtotheproceduresstatedunderLandSearchestodetermineifanythingofvalueisdiscoveredontheHex,accordingtothechartbelow:01-85 Nothing86-88 IronMine89-91 CopperMine92-94 SilverMine95 GoldMine96-97 RuinedTower98-99 RuinedKeep00 RuinedCastleMinesareresourcesthatwillbeginproducingincomeattheendoftheseasoninwhichitisdiscovered;theyareconsideredtobeanaturalfeatureoftheHexuponwhichtheyarefound.Minesproduceincomeaccordingtothefollowingchart:IronMine:100silverpieces/seasonCopperMine:250silverpieces/seasonSilverMine:500silverpieces/seasonGoldMine:750silverpieces/seasonRuinsareancientStructuresthathavebeguntodeterioratebutcanberestoredwithfundsandconstruction.Ruinsthathavenotbeenrestoreddonotprovideanyprotectionduringinvasions,buttheyalsodonotcostanyupkeep.RestorationofruinsistreatedidenticallytoupgradingaStructureandyoumaynotbuildorupgradeanyotherStructureatthetimeyouarerestoringaruin.Oncearuinhasbeenfullyrestored,itfunctionsasanormalstructureofthetypeindicatedwithallbenefitsandcostsasdescribedabove.Ruinsmayberestoredaccordingtothechartbelow:RuinedTowers625silverpiecestorestore1EventtocompleteRuinedKeeps 1,250silverpiecestorestore 3EventstocompleteRuinedCastles 5,000silverpiecestorestore 5Eventstocomplete

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Appendix A – Bylaws

Bylaws of the Darkon Wargaming Club, Inc.

ArticleI–Name,Purpose1.ThenameoftheorganizationshallbeDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.hereinreferredtoastheClub.2.TheClubprovidesitsparticipantswithagameinwhichfantasybasedliveactionrole-playingandmedieval-stylebattlesusingspeciallyconstructedpropsisconducted.3.TheCluboperatesexclusivelyasanon-stock,notforprofitcorporationspecificallyasa501(c)7.

ArticleII–MembersandParticipants1.Participanta.Participantsareanypersonage16yearsorolderthathaspaidtheClubduesandsignedthewaiver;parentsmustsignwaiversforanyundertheageof18years.Uponturning18Participantswillsignanewwaiver.b.Participationmaybesuspendedforasetperiodoftimenottoexceedoneyear,bytheBoardofDirectors.c.AnyonehavingjoinedasaParticipantshallremainontherosterforlifebutcanbebannedfromtheclubbytheBoardofDirectors.d.SenatemayreinstateasuspendedorbannedParticipantwithafour-fifthssupermajorityvote.e.AParticipanthastherighttoterminatehisorherowninvolvementatanytime.f.TheBoardofDirectorsmaintainstherighttorefuseparticipationtoanyindividualforanyreason,withorwithoutcause.

2.Membershipa.MembershipisdefinedasgroupsorganizedbyParticipantsinaccordancewiththeRulesofPlayoftheClub.b.MembersmaysendrepresentativestotheSenate.c.Membersmayterminatetheirinvolvementatanytime,endingtheexistenceofthegroup.

ArticleIII–BoardofDirectors1.TheBoardisresponsiblefortheoverallpolicyanddirectionoftheClub,andmanagesday-to-dayoperationsoftheClub.Toincludebutnotlimitedto:a.ShallvoteonallnewgamerulesandrulechangespassedbytheSenate.b.ShallhavealltherightsandresponsibilitiesmandatedandauthorizedbythestatutesoftheStateofMarylandprovidedforaBoardofDirectors.c.Responsibleformaintainingallrulebooks,andwritingandmaintainingallpolicyandproceduredocuments,andensuringtheyaremadeavailabletoParticipants.

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d.MembersoftheBoardcannotvoteontheNobleCouncilorSenateexceptasdescribedelsewhereinthebylaws.e.MembersoftheBoardreceivenocompensation.

2.Thereshallbe5votingmembersoftheBoardconsistingofPresident,VicePresident,Magistrate,Secretary,andTreasurer.Thereshallbe2non-votingmembersoftheboardconsistingoftheLandMarshalandPresidentEmeritus.a.President

i.ShallconveneregularlyscheduledBoardmeetings,shallpresideorarrangefortheVicePresidentoftheBoardtopresideateachmeeting.ii.Isauthorizedtodelegateauthority,appointassistantstothePresidentforanypurposeandcreatecommitteesforanypurpose.iii.Isthedefaultchairpersonofallcommittee’sormayappointachairpersonforsaidcommittees.iv.Istheliaisonwiththepublic-at-large.v.IsauthorizedtorepresenttheinterestsoftheClubasanentityinallexchangeswithfederal,stateandlocalauthorities.vi.IsrequiredtoactasComplianceOfficerandmaintaintheclub'scompliancewithlegalandinsurancerequirements,includingactionsnecessarytomaintaintheclub'staxstatusandclassificationasanon-profitorganization.vii.Isresponsibleformaintainingnecessarydocumentationandobtainingorappointingrepresentativestoobtainrequiredpermitsandpermissionsforeventsites.viii.Shallmakeon-the-spotinterpretationsofthebylawswhichwillbereviewedandconfirmedorcorrectedbythefullBoard.

b.VicePresident i.ChairstheNobleCouncil(theCouncil,seeArticleV)andsetsitsmeetingsandagenda.ii.Mayappointassistantstoaidintheperformanceofthepositionsduties.iii.AppointsaRelicsMarshal,and,PotionsandScrollsMarshal,andotherMarshalsasneededfordutiesspecifictotheVicePresidentandCouncil.iv.CollectsandmaintainsthelistofMarshalpositionsfortheCouncil.v.Istheliaisonwithotherclubsofthesamepurpose.vi.ResponsibleforrequestingthesubmissionofpetitionsforSquireandKnightoftheRealm.PetitionsforKnightoftheRealmaretobedeliveredtotheSecretary.vii.ShallberesponsibleforfirstaidkitsandensureallBoardmembershaveoneateachevent.

c.Secretary

i.Responsibleforthecollectionandmaintenanceofplayerrecords,toincludewaiversandcharactercredits.ii.Responsiblefortherecordingofminutesatcorporatemeetings.iii.Responsiblefortheproductionoftheclubnewsletter,“TavernTales”andalladvertisingandrecruitmentefforts.iv.Mayappointassistantstoaidinhisdutiestoincludebutnotlimitedtoaneditorfor“TavernTales”,arecruiterandanaidetocollectParticipantinformationateventcheck-in.

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v.TheSecretaryshallappointassistantsoneachbody,CouncilandSenatetotakeminutes,andshallmaketheminutesavailabletotheParticipants.vi.Responsibleforensuringthatthesecretarydutiesarefulfilledateventsinhis/herabsence.vii.ResponsibleforcollectingpetitionsforKnightoftheRealm,submittingthepetitionstotheCouncilviatheVicePresident,andsubmittedthenamesofpetitionersforKnightoftheRealmtotheSenateviatheMagistrate.viii.ResponsiblefortheCreditTracker.ShallworkwiththeITcommittee(orcurrentequivalent)and/orthepastSecretarytoensurethattheeventsdatabaseentriesarekeptcurrentwiththescheduleandtheappropriatecreditallocations.ShalldothesameforofficialChapters.ix.Shalltrackplayercreditsatcheck-inviatheCreditTrackerspreadsheetandtheDarkonlaptop.Writtencheck-inisonlyacceptableonanemergencybasisifthelaptopfailsorisunavailable.x.ShalluploadthespreadsheetofeventcreditstotheCreditTrackerpriortothenextevent.Shallalsoapplyanyextracreditsearnedpriortothenextevent(e.g.transfers,charity,newplayer,NPC,Elder,etc.).xi.Shallpromptlyrespondtoplayeremailinquiriesregardingcredits,andshallprovideloginsforplayerstoviewtheirownrecords.xii.Shallmakemanualmodificationstothecreditrecordfortransfers,lateElderlists,orotheradjustmentsasneeded.xiii.ShallpromptlycommunicateinwritingtotheBoardanytechnicaldifficulties,andshalldiligentlyworkwiththeITCommittee(orcurrentequivalent)toresolveanyissues.xiv.ResponsiblefortrainingtheSecretaryelectintheperformanceoftheaboveduties.MustreporttotheSenateandtheBoard(incoming&outgoing)iftheSecretaryelecthasnotreceivedtrainingbyendofyear,alongwiththecause.

d.Treasureri.Responsibleforallfiscalactivitiesoftheclubincludingbutnotlimitedtomaintenanceofinsurancedocuments,collectionofdues,moniesforthesaleofrulebooks,andthepaymentofdebtsincurredbytheclub.ii.ShallprovidequarterlyandannualfinancialreportstotheBoard,theSenateandParticipantsinaccordancewithstatestatutes.iii.Shallinterfacewiththestateandfederaltaxbureaus.iv.Mayappointassistantstoaidinhisdutiestoincludebutnotlimitedtoanaidetocollectduesateventcheck-in.v.Responsibleforensuringthatthetreasurerdutiesarefulfilledateventsinhis/herabsence.vi.ShalldepositallmoniescollectedataneventintotheDarkonbankaccountpriortothenextevent.vii.ShallatalltimesavoidthecomminglingofDarkonfundswithotheraccounts.viii.ShallmaintainallitemsandmoniesrelatedtotheTreasurerpositioninasecurefashion,andshallminimizetheamountoftimethatthoseareinavehicle(timespentateventsexcepted).ix.Shallusecashpaymentsonlyintheeventofanbonafideemergency,andshallinformtheboardinwritingpriortothenexteventinanycasewherethisisdone.x.Shallusealockablecashboxandlockedlatecheck-inboxforthecollectionofduesandothermoniesatevents.Cashboxshallbelockedwhennotinuse.

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xi.Uponreceivingdocumentationofreceipts,shallpromptlyreimburseindividualswhoseexpenditureshavebeenauthorizedbytheBoard.xii.ShallkeepTreasuryrecordsinanorganizedanddetailedfashion,suchthateachsubsequentTreasurercaneasilyverifyandauditthepreviousyear'seventrevenueandexpenditures.xiii.IsresponsibleforthefilingofallFederalandStatetaxpaperworkrequired.

e.Magistratei.ShallChairtheSenate,settheSenateagendaandensureeventcheck-inisrunsmoothly.ii.Hassolepowertointerpretthegamerulesintheeventaclarificationisrequested.SuchinterpretationsshallremainineffectuntilJanuary1ofthenextyearoruntiltheSenatevotestoincludeordenytheinterpretationintheRulesofPlay,whicheverissooner.ShouldaconflictarisebetweenSenaterulingsandMagistraterulesinterpretations,theSenaterulingshallsupersede.iii.ClarificationsmadebytheMagistratemustbepublishedandmadepublic.ClarificationsapprovedbytheSenateshallbeaddedtotheRulesofPlayimmediatelyuponpassageandpubliclypublished.iv.MagistrateshallpresentthenamesofcandidatesandpetitionersforKnightoftheRealmtotheSenateanddocumentallcomments.CommentswillbepresentedtotheNobleCouncilviatheVicePresident.v.ShallreviewthelegitimacyofMemberstatusandisauthorizedtodenymembershipforoneSenatemeetingpendingfullBoardreview.

f.Non-VotingMembersi.LandMarshal1. ResponsibleforthemanagementoftheLandRulesportionoftheRulesofPlay.2. AppointstheCoinMarshalandmayappointotherassistantsasneeded.3. Istheon-the-fieldinterpreteroftheLandRulesportionoftheRulesofPlay.

4. HasnovoteontheBoardofDirectorsbutmayattendmeetingsatthediscretionoftheBoard.5.Musthaveawrittencopyofthelandrulesandmonsterchartsontheirpersonatallevents(electroniccopyisacceptable).

ii.PresidentEmeritus1. TheelectedPresidentofthepreviousyear,thispositionisvacantifthePresidentofthepreviousyearisthecurrentPresident.2. ResponsibleforprovidinginsightandinformationfortheactivitiesoftheBoardofthepreviousyeartomaintaincontinuityofmanagementoftheClub.3. HasnovoteontheBoardofDirectorsbutmayattendmeetingsatthediscretionoftheBoard.

3.Electionsshallbesemi-annually.a.ElectionsoftheSecretary,TreasurerandMagistrateorthere-electionofthesametoafollowingtermwilloccurasthefirstorderofbusinessatthefirstclubgatheringofNovemberofeachyear.BoardmembersshallbeelectedbyasimplemajorityvoteofthememberrepresentativebodyknownastheSenate(seeArticleIV).

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b.ElectionsofthePresident,VicePresidentandLandMarshalorthere-electionofthesametoafollowingtermwilloccurasthefirstorderofbusinessatthefirstclubgatheringofMayofeachyear.BoardmembersshallbeelectedbyasimplemajorityvoteoftheSenate.c.Priortothevoteforeachposition,thesectionofthebylawsdocumentingthedutiesofthatpositionshallbereadaloudinfull.Candidatesmustansweraffirmativelytothefollowingtwoquestions:•Doyouunderstandtheresponsibilitiesofthisposition?•Ifelected,willyoufaithfullyperformalloftheseduties?

4.WhenavacancyontheBoardexiststheSenatewillelectanewmember.ThenewlyelectedBoardmembershallserveuntiltheendofthecurrenttermandiseligibleforre-election.5.AllBoardmembersshallserve1yearterms,thoseelectedinMayshallstartonJuly1followingtheelection,andthoseelectedinNovembershallstartonJanuary1followingelection.6.TheBoardshallmeetatleastquarterly,inanagreeduponmanner,time,andplace.UnlessotherwisespecifiedinthisArticleallvotesareamajorityofthosepresent.7.Self-nominationsbegintwomonthspriortothedateofelections.AllnominationsaresubmittedtotheSecretaryandpostedontheofficialforums.8.Aquorumissetatfour-fifthsofthevotingBoardmembersbeforebusinesscanbetransactedormotionsmadeorpassed.(ClarifiedbyBoardDecember2012,toberatifiedbySenateCY2013)9.AnofficialBoardmeetingrequiresthateachBoardmemberhavewrittenorverbalnoticetwoweeksinadvance.10.ResignationfromtheBoardmustbeinwritingandreceivedbytheSecretaryorPresident.11.ABoardmembermayberemovedatanytimeforanyreasonbyathree-fourthsmajoritypresentvoteoftheSenate.12.TheBoardisresponsiblefortheenforcementoftheArticlesofIncorporation,thebylawsofthecorporation,rulesofthegame,andhasauthorityoverallthingsnotspecificallyauthorizedtoanotherbodyandinaccordancewithstatestatute.13.TheclubreservestherighttoinvestigateandtakelegalactionagainstBoardmemberssuspectedofprosecutablecrimesincludingbutnotlimitedtofraud,embezzlementandtheft.

ArticleIV:TheSenate1.TheSenateiscomprisedofrepresentative(s)ofeachMembergroup.Saidrepresentative(s)musthaveeachattendedatleast20events.2.Aquorumismetwhentwo-thirdsoftheMemberseligibletovotesendatleastoneSenatortotheSenatemeeting.3.TheSenateshallberesponsibleforthecreationandreviewofallgamerules.AllruleproposalsshallbevoteduponbytheSenateandrequireasimplemajoritytopass.RulespassedbybothSenateandBoardshallgointoeffectthefollowingJune30thorDecember31stwhichevercomesfirst;unlesstherulegovernssafetyatwhichpointtherulewillgointoeffectimmediately.4.TheSenatemayover-rideaBoardvetoonruleproposalswithathree-fourthsmajority.5.TheSenateshallreviewpetitionersforKnightoftheRealmandprovidecommentstotheCouncil.6.TheSenateischairedbytheMagistrate,iftheMagistrateisunavailablehemayappointanotherasChair.TheChairmayonlyvoteininstancesofatie.7.AnySenatormaycallanemergencymeetingoftheSenateincaseswheretheMagistratecannotorshouldnotChair.8.NoproposalmaybevotedonthesamedayasitispresentedtoSenate.

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ArticleV:NobleCouncil1.TheCounciliscomprisedofanyClubParticipantswhohavebeengiventheawardof“KnightoftheRealm.”SeeArticleVI.2.TheCouncilisresponsiblefortheplanningofalltournamentsandanyothertypesofeventstheywishtopromoteandmayappointassistantstofulfilltheseresponsibilities.3.TheCouncil,onbehalfoftheBoard,isresponsiblefortheevaluationofallrulesinregardstosafetywithintheClubtoinclude;newandexistingrules.4.TheCouncilisresponsiblefortheevaluationandimplementationofnewconstructionmethodsforweapons,shieldsandarmoraswellasevaluatingnewweapontypesnotyetintroduced.AnyadditionstoweapontypesshallbepresentedtotheSenateasaruleproposal.5.TheCouncilisresponsibleforthecheckingofallcostumingandequipmentforcompliancewithrulesandsafetystandards.6.AnyrulesconsideredunsafebytheCouncilshallberevokedandremovedfromtherulebook.AnynewsafetyrequirementssetbytheCouncilshallgointoeffectimmediatelyandplacedinthenexteditionoftherulebook.TheBoardmayvetoanyCouncilsafetydecisionwithafour-fifthsmajorityvote.TheCouncilcanoverturnaBoardvetoofasafetyrulingwithathree-fourthsmajorityofthosepresent.7.TheCouncilshallappointindividualstopositionsofArmorMarshals,WeaponsMarshals,CostumeMarshals,andSpellMarshalsandassignthepositionofheadMarshalforeach;toensureallParticipantsareincompliancewiththegamerulesandhaveequipmentconstructedaccordingtothepublishedsafetystandards.ActiveKnightsoftheRealmareautomaticallyMarshals.8.TheCouncil,onbehalfoftheBoard,shalltrackParticipantsruleinfractionsandreporttotheBoardsubsequenttotheCouncilmeeting.TheCouncilmayalsosubmitrecommendationsfordisciplinaryactionstotheBoard.9.TheCouncilshallreviewpetitionsfor,selectandmonitorSquires.10.TheCouncilshallreviewpetitionsfor,andselectthosetobegiventheawardofKnightoftheRealmpertherulesoftheCouncil,RulesofPlayandbylaws.PetitionsforKnightoftheRealmmustbesubmittedtotheSecretary6monthspriortotheCouncilvoteonthepetitioner.11.TheCouncilshallreviewcommentssubmittedbytheSenateregardingpetitionersforKnightoftheRealmandSquiresbeingconsideredforpromotiontoKnightoftheRealm.12.CandidatesapprovedbytheCouncilforKnightoftheRealmshallbesubmittedtotheBoard.TheCouncilcanoverrideaBoardvetoofcandidatesforKnightoftheRealmwithathree-fourthsmajorityvoteofthosepresent.13.AParticipantmaybestrippedoftheawardofKnightoftheRealmwithamajorityvoteofthosepresentoftheCouncilorasupermajorityoftheSenateorinaccordancewithArticleVI.14.TheCouncilshallmeetquarterly:meetingsareheldthefirstnon-campoutSaturdayinMarch,June,September,andDecember,andbeginpromptlyat12noon.TheVPmustannouncethelocationofthemeetingatleastonemonthinadvance.Allvotesarebyamajorityofthosepresent.15.TheCouncilmaycreatecommitteestodealwithissuesundertheCouncil’spurview.16.TheCouncilischairedbytheVicePresident,iftheVicePresidentisunavailabletheVicePresidentshallselectoneoftheirnumbertoChair.ThechairpersonoftheNobleCouncilmayonlyvoteintheinstanceofatie.17.Noblesmaytransferfullyfromonechaptertotheotherunderthefollowingprocess(otherwise,onlythetitlesaresharedbetweenchapters):

•MusthaveasponsoringKnighttotrackthebelowitems

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•Mustbeinthenewchapterforayear•Mustattend75%ofthescheduledevents•MustactasElderfor5ofthose•MustholdaMarshalposition•Mustattendmeetingsasanon-votingmemberoftheCouncil Aftertheyear,theNCwillvotetoapproveorvetoafulltransfer.

ArticleVI:Awards1.KnightoftheRealm(KR)a.AwardedbytheCouncilorperSection2.eofthisArticle.b.Eligibility,proceduresandprivilegesaredefinedbytheCouncil,RulesofPlayandbylaws.

2.ArmigerousAwards-Awardsthatwhengivenbestowtherighttowearpersonalliveryandheraldryandbeknownas“Master”or“Mistress.”Theseawardsmaybegivenonceayear,nominationsaretobegiventothechairpersonoftheawardingbodyresponsiblebythesecondeventofOctober.a.OrderoftheStag(OS)-GrantedbytheBoardformajorcontributionsofservicetotheClubnotnecessarilyrelatedtoanelectedoffice.AMasterofTheStagisonewhohasrepeatedlyservedwithdistinctionasmarshal,organizer,elder,etc.b.OrderoftheDragon(OD)–GrantedbytheSenateforcontinuousdemonstrationofpositiveattitude.MasteroftheDragonisonewhohascontinuallydemonstratedapositiveattitude,goodsportsmanshipandhighlevelofsupportfortheotherParticipantsandhasthegeneralrespectoftherealm.c.OrderoftheGryphon(OG)-GrantedbytheCouncilfordemonstratinggreatleadership.AMasterofTheGriffinisonewhohasledtheClubforwardasaclubelectedofficialorfurtheredthedevelopmentofthegameinsomeoutstandingway.d.OrderoftheRaven(OR)-GrantedbytheSenateforexemplaryperformanceinthearts.AMasterofTheRavenmaybeasuperbroleplayer,hasoutstandinggarb,orsomeonewhomakesgreatweapons,armororaccessories,orcontributesinsomeextraordinarywaytotheatmosphereofthegame.AMasteroftheRavenisonewhoenrichesthegamethroughtheiractionsandappearance,andespousestheirexcellencetoothers.e.OrderoftheSword(OSW)-Grantedforskillatarmsandfightingprowess.SwordMastersdifferfromotherOrdersinthattheymustprovethemselvesinbattletoattainthetitle.

i.ASwordMastercandidatepetitionsandisvotedonbytheCouncil,ifapprovedtheymustwinaNobleTournamentfightasrunbytheNobleCounciltoearnentryintotheOrderandbecomeaSwordMaster.ii.SwordMasters,afterpossessingtheirtitleforoneseason,maydefendinNobleCouncilTournamentsagainstbothCouncilmembersandapprovedSwordMasterCandidates.iii.GrandfatheringClause-AllKnightsoftheRealmwhohavewonaboutinaNobleCouncilTournamentbeforepassageofthesebylawsaremembersoftheOrderoftheSword.

f.OrderoftheEagle(OE)-AnyParticipantwhohasachievedmembershipinallfiveMasterOrders,theultimateachievementintheclub,iseligibletobemadeaMasteroftheEaglewithBoardapproval.MastersoftheEagleareautomaticallyawardedKnightoftheRealmwithallrightsandresponsibilitiesgivenforsaidaward.

3.Non-ArmigerousAwards-GivenforrecognitionbytheClubbutdonotbestowanyspecialprivilegesorcostuming.Theseawardswillbegivenonceayear,nominationsaretobegiventothechairpersonoftheawardingbodybythesecondeventofOctober.

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a.OrderoftheMask(CM)-Giventothoseindividualstooneindividualannually,chosenasthebestrepresentationoftheirclass.CompanionsoftheMaskareawardedbytheSenate.(ClarifiedbyBoardDecember2012,toberatifiedbySenateCY2013)b.OrderoftheCrown(CC)-AwardedtothosethathaveservedontheBoardforafullterm.i.CompanionsoftheCrownareautomaticallyawardedattheendoftheterm.ii.GrandfatheringClause–AnywhohaveservedafulltermonwhatwascalledtheExecutiveBoardoftheClubaregiventhisawardforeachfullterm.

c.OrderoftheBoar(CB)-Awardedforoutstandingcontributionstotheclubbyagroup(country,retinue,guild,etc.)CompanionsoftheBoarareawardedbytheBoard.d.OrderoftheSwan(CS)-AwardedforminorcontributionsofservicetotheClub.CompanionsoftheSwanareawardedbytheBoard.e.DarkonAwardofExcellence-AwardedforexcellencetoonepersonannuallybythePresident.f.GoldenSpud-Awardedtooneindividualannuallyforhavingagreatattitudeandshowingeagernessandloyaltytotheclub.AwardedbytheSenatetoaplayerthathasjoinedtheClubwithinthepast12months.(ClarifiedbyBoardDecember2012,toberatifiedbySenateCY2013)

4.ParticipantsmayreceiveanawardfromSections2and3multipletimes.5.RetiredAwards-Titlesandawardsthattheclubhasgivenoutbutarenolongerawarded.a.KnightErrant-Retiredin2008andreplacedwithLordoftheRealm.AllthosewithKnightErrantwereconvertedtoLordoftheRealm.b.LordoftheRealm-Retiredin2012andreplacedwithvariousawards.AllthosewithLordoftheRealmwereconvertedtoanorderinSection2andgiventhetitle“Master.”

6.IfaParticipantissuspended,theawardingbodiesshallreviewapplicableawardsofthatParticipantandvotetodeterminecontinuedmerit.7.AllawardsarerevokediftheParticipantisbannedfromtheClub.AunanimousvoteoftheBoardcanreinstateanyawardtoareinstatedParticipant.8.Allawardsaregivenoutatthediscretionoftheawardingbodyandeachawardingbodyreservestherighttonotgiveoutawardsinanygivenyear.

ArticleVII:Meetings1.OnceayearatthesecondeventofDecembertheSenate,Board,andCouncilshallmeettodiscussanyissuesofthepreviousyear.ThisshallbeknownbytheTriumviratemeetingandchairedbythePresident.2.AgeneralParticipantmeetingshallbeheldonceayearduringtheSummermonthsatwhichtheBoardshallpresentastatusontheclubandtakequestionsfromtheParticipants.Thetimeandplaceofthemeetingshallbeannouncedfourweekspriortothemeeting.3.Unlessotherwiseindicatedinthesebylaws,thetimeandplaceofallmeetingsmustbeannouncedtwoweekspriortothemeetingdate.4.EmergencymeetingsmaybecalledbytheSenate,BoardortheCouncilasneeded.

ArticleVIII:UseofTechnology

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1.Meetingsmaybeconductedviain-personmeetings,conferencecalls,videoconferencingorothermeetingcollaborationtoolsthatinvolveaudioandorvisualcomponents.2.Businessmaybeconductedviae-mailbutallvotesmustbetakenusingamethodoutlinedinSection1ofthisarticle.3.Meetingsmaynotbeconductedusinginstantmessaging.

ArticleIX:IntentionallyLeftBlankforFutureProposal

ArticleX:Amendments1.Thesebylawsmaybeamendedwhennecessarybyathree-fifthsmajorityoftheBoardandtwo-thirdsmajorityoftheSenate.2.Thesebylawsshallbereviewedandamendedasnecessarynolessthanevery5years.ThesebylawswereapprovedatameetingoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.onNovember13,2012andtheSenateoftheDarkonWargamingClub,Inc.onNovember4,2012.AmendedDecember27,2015.

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Current Playtests

ShieldEdging‘Shieldbashing’ispermitted,butitmustbeperformed bypushingorbashingintoanopponentwith theflatoftheshield.Participantsmaystrikewiththeedgeofashield,butmaynotstrikeopponentsintheneckorhead.Youmayonlyshieldbash,shieldedge,ortackleanopponentfromthefront.

NecromancerPlayersmayplaytestattherankoftheirhighestownedcharacter.(Toamaximumofrank10)Necromancersarecharactersthataredevotedtothebalancebetweenlifeanddeath.WeaponspermittedtobeusedbyaNecromancerare:allwhiteweapons,daggers,spears,allnon-chainedyellowweapons.TheNecromancerisabletowearonlyleatherandclotharmorsuptoarmorrating2,andmayonlyequipshieldsorbucklersupto18"atitslargestmeasurement.At1strank,aNecromancergainsthe‘FeignDeath’ability,‘DetectDeath’ability*,‘Necromancy’ability*,‘SpeakwithDead’spell,‘Light’spell.At2ndrank,aNecromancergains‘FrostSpike’spell,‘TurnUndead’spell.At3rdrank,aNecromancergains‘RaiseUndead’spell.At4thrank,aNecromancergains‘MagicMissile‘spell.At5thrank,aNecromancergains‘SacrificialWeapon’ability,‘SacrificialCureLightWounds’spell.At6thrank,aNecromancergains‘CureDisease’spell,‘NeutralizePoison’spell.At7thrank,aNecromancergains‘Curse’spell,‘SacrificialCureModerateWounds’spell.At8thrank,aNecromancergains‘InterrogateUndead’ability,‘ImprovedRaiseUndead’ability.At9thrank,aNecromancergains‘SacrificialCureMortalWounds’spell,‘LastRites’spell.At10thrank,aNecromancergains‘HandofDeath’ability,‘GreaterRaiseUndead’ability,‘ImprovedFeignDeath’ability.DetectDeath:Necromancerscansenseifacharacterisfeigningdeath.Tousethisability,aNecromancermustsay"IamaNecromancer,areyoudead?"Playersaskedmustanswertruthfully,eveniftheyarefeigningdeath.Necromancy:SolimitedanddevotedaretheNecromancer'sstudies,thatallspellscastbyaNecromancerareatfullcastingreduction.RaiseUndead:Asanimatedead,butthetargetofthisspellisraisedasazombie.(Perencountercharts),thezombieremembersit'snamebutnotmuchelse.spelllastsnolongerthan5minutes,restislikeanimatedead.ImprovedRaiseUndead:RaisesthenumberofundeadaNecromancermaycommandtotwo.Thespellmustbereadonceperundeadraised.GreaterRaiseUndead:UndeadraisedarenolongervulnerabletoHolyweapons.SacrificialWeapon:TheNecromancermaydesignateasingleweaponastheirsacrificialweapon.Todoso,theymusthangfromitaredribbon.Theweaponcannotbedesignatedmorethanonceper10minutes(orbattle/hades).IftheNecromancerslaysaplayerwiththisweapon,theymayplaceablackribbonontheweapon,indicatingthattheNecromancerhasperformedasacrifice.

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SacrificialCure[X]:ANecromancerwhohasusedtheirsacrificialweaponmaycastonecurespell.Afterthisspelliscast,theymustremovetheblackribbonfromtheirsacrificialweapon,andcannotcastanothersacrificialspelluntiltheykillanotherplayer,andreplacetheblackribbon.HandofDeath:TheNecromancermaycarryanyspellballthattheyhavealreadycast.TheNecromancermustwearagreyglove,andoncethespellballiscast,itcannotleavethehandoftheNecromancerunlessdispelledintentionallyorunintentionally.Touchingthespellballcausestheeffecttovisituponwhomeverittouches.TheNecromancermaytouchotherplayersintentionallytovisittheeffectuponthem.Thisabilitydoesnotbypassshields.Ifthearmwhichholdsaspellballtakesawound,thespellisimmediatelydispelled.Ifthespellballisusedasameleetouchattack,thespellballisnolongerheadornecklegal.InterrogateUndead:AfterreadingtheSpeakwithDeadspell,theNecromancermaychoosetoaskthedeadonequestion,pertheinterrogateability.ANecromancermaynotinterrogateacorpsewhichhashadLastRitescastuponit.ImprovedFeignDeath:TheNecromancertrulyembodiesdeath.ThetheDetectDeathability,andothermeanstodivineiftheNecromancerisdeaddonotfunction.

BardBardisarestrictedclass.AnycharacterthathasobtainedthearmigerousawardsOR,OG,OS,orODorthenon-armigerousawardCMmaycreateaBardbysacrificingaclassofatleast10thRank.[VoteOptiontokeepthisrestrictionorstrikeitrequired.]Bardsareskalds,minstrels,musiciansandstorytellerswhobolsterotherplayerswiththeirsongsandoratory.Theymayuseanyweapons,armororshieldsavailabletoThieves.BardsaugmentplayerswithBardicSongs,whicharedescribedbelowwiththeBard'sotherclassabilities.ABardicSongconsistsofmusicplayedonaninstrumentand/orsungbytheBard,ororatory,whichconsistsofstorytellingorpoeticpraisingoftheBard'sallies.Musicandsingingmaynotrelyonmoderndevicesorbedeliveredinawaytoagitateplayersordisruptgameplay.Iforatoryisuseditmustbeapprovedbyanelderasbeingincharacterandconsistentwithgoodroleplay.TobeginaBardicSong,theBardshouts"I,(Name)InvokeSongof(BardicSongAbility)"andbeginsplaying,singing,ororating.TheeffectoftheBardicSongbeginsimmediatelyandaffectsanumberofotherplayersbasedontheBard'srank.

Rank1:Upto3otherplayersRank3:Upto4otherplayersRank5:Upto5otherplayersRank7:Upto6otherplayersRank9:Upto7otherplayers

BardicsongsalwaysaffecttheBard.ToreceivetheeffectsofaBardicSong,playersmustvisiblywearastripofyelloworgoldmaterialatleast2”wideand12”long.AfteroneminuteofcontinuitytheBardmayshout"Songof(BardicSongAbility)PersistsforFiveMinutes!"TheSong'seffectwillthenpersistforfiveadditionalminutes.IftheBardisinterruptedortakesweaponorspelldamageduringthefirstminuteofperformancethesongeffectends.WhileperformingaBardicSongtheBardcanhavenothinginhishandsexceptforaninstrument(s).PlayersmayonlybeaffectedbyoneBardicSongatatime.BardicSongsareadventureonlyabilities.[Voteoptiontostrikethisline]At1stRankBardsgaintheadventureability‘BardicKnowledge’.Thiscanbeusedtogainminorinsightintothehistoryornatureofaperson,placeorobject.AnElderwilldeterminetheexacteffectivenessofthisability.At2ndRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofTheStalwart’.ThoseaffectedbythissongareimmunetoshieldbreakingabilitiesfromNPCs[Votingoptiontostrike“fromNPCs”]At3rdRankBardsgaintheability‘BardicInspiration’.TheBardchoosesoneplayerofequalorlesserrankandgivesthemafavormadeofmetalorleatherthatmustbewornupontheneck,wrist,orbelt.Thisplayergainsmaximum50%spellreductionandabonusof5spellpoints.ABardmayonlychooseoneplayertogainBardicInspirationandmaynottransferittoanother.[Votingoptiontostrike“andabonusof5spellpoints“]At4thRankBardsgaintheThiefability‘PickPockets’.

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At5thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofTheJoten’.Thoseaffectedbythissongmaystandinthepresenceofgiants.At6thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofShielding’.ThoseaffectedbythissongareunaffectedbytheAOEofspellsfromNPCs.[Votingoptiontostrike“fromNPCs”]At7thRankBardsgaintheThiefability‘Disguise’.At9thRankBardsgaintheadventureability‘Fascinate’.ThisabilityonlyworksonlesserNPCs.Anelderwilldeterminetheexacteffectiveness.ByspeakingwordsofpraisetoanNPC,theBardgainsswayovertheNPCandcanencouragehimtoaidtheBardorattacktheBard'sfoes.AFascinatedNPCwillneverharmhimselforperformanactioncontrarytohisethos.ABardcannotFascinatemorethanoneNPCatatime.At10thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofEnchantment’.Thoseaffectedbythissongmaycall"Magic"withmeleeweapons.ThisabilitycanonlybeusedifaRank10orhigherwillingMageispresentwiththeBardwhentheSongisbegun.ThisrepresentstheBardtappingintotheMage'smagicandusingittorallyallies.OncetheSongisstartedtheMagemaymoveorevendieandtheSongwillcontinue.Iforatoryisusedtocreatethesong,theBardisencouragedtopraisetheMageortelltalesofhisadventure.ABardmayalwaysaffectthemselveswiththissongwithoutaRank10Mage.At10thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofTheHoly’.Thoseaffectedbythissongmaycall"Holy"withmeleeweapons.ThisabilitycanonlybeusedifaRank10orhigherwillingClericispresentwiththeBardwhentheSongisbegun.ThisrepresentstheBardtappingintotheCleric'sdivinepowerandusingittorallyallies.OncetheSongisstartedtheClericmaymoveorevendieandtheSongwillcontinue.Iforatoryisusedtocreatethesong,theBardisencouragedtopraisetheClericortheCleric'sdeity.ABardmayalwaysaffectthemselveswiththissongwithoutaRank10ClericAt10thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofTruth’.ThoseaffectedbythissongtemporarilygaintheMonkabilityImmunityToMindControl.ThisabilitycanonlybeusedifaRank10orhigherwillingMonkispresentwiththeBardwhentheSongisbegun.ThisrepresentstheBardtappingintotheMonk'senergyandusingittorallyallies.OncetheSongisstartedtheMonkmaymoveorevendieandtheSongwillcontinue.Iforatoryisusedtocreatethesong,theBardisencouragedtopraisetheMonk'sdisciplineandability.ABardmayalwaysaffectthemselveswiththissongwithoutaRank10Monk.At10thRankBardsgaintheability‘SongofPurity’.ThoseaffectedbythissongtemporarilygaintheCavalierabilityImmunityToDisease.ThisabilitycanonlybeusedifaRank10orhigherwillingCavalierispresentwiththeBardwhentheSongisbegun.ThisrepresentstheBardtappingintotheCavalier'senergyandusingittorallyallies.OncetheSongisstartedtheCavaliermaymoveorevendieandtheSongwillcontinue.Iforatoryisusedtocreatethesong,theBardisencouragedtopraisetheCavalier'sskillandvirtue.ABardmayalwaysaffectthemselveswiththissongwithoutaRank10Cavalier.

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