Six Kinds

The Archipelago is inhabited by a variety of different beings, which are called kinds. When you pick a kind for your character, it might give them an additional Special on top of whatever your background would otherwise provide. This ability generally confers both benefits and drawbacks. Choosing a kind might also change your background’s skills.

Six of the most widespread kinds are given below. If you want to determine your kind randomly, you can roll a d6.

1. Islander

The most widespread of the kinds, islanders and their marvellous ships have been crossing the waters of the Archipelago since before anyone can remember. They have as many peoples and cultures as there are islands in the ocean. Many islanders are incapable of putting down roots, compelled to a life of endless nomadic wandering.

Special: When one of your allies is about to Push their Luck, you may loan them yours. When you do so, Push your Luck and give them the result.

Skills: If you want, replace one of your background’s skills with Seafaring or Second Sight at the same rating.

2. Rodentfolk

Beastkin with the lineage of rats, weasels, rabbits and other furtive scurrying creatures. They originate from an isle of giants, monsters that can be survived only by existing beneath their notice. Unassuming and practical by nature, the rodentfolk have since spread to every corner of the Archipelago.

Special: Your stomach is a bottomless pit, but as long as you are fed you are happy. Up to three times each day, you may consume a provision to heal 1d6 Stamina.

Skills: If you want, replace one of your background’s skills with Appraisal or Smell at the same rating.

3. Merfolk

Touched by the power of the sea in times gone by, the merfolk are forever tied to the world-spanning waters of the Archipelago. Though they resemble islanders, every merfolk bears distinctive “seamarks” such as scales or webbed digits, a sign of their kinship with the denizens of the deep.

Special: You are blessed with the ability to breathe underwater. If you spend 24 hours out of the water, you gain the Dried Out condition. The condition makes you feel uncomfortable and listless, and is cleared the next time you swim.

Skills: Gain the Swim skill at rating 1, or increase its rating if your background already provides it.

4. Hewn

Grey-skinned and changeless, the hewn folk have always dwelt in the caverns beneath the Archipelago. Some say they are islanders that descended into the tunnels eons ago, but their own lore tells that they were carved from the living rock itself.

Special: You’re magic resistant, whether you like it or not. You must spend 1 Luck to benefit from a friendly magic spell, but roll +1d when rolling to resist any hostile magic effect.

Skills: If you want, replace one of your background’s skills with Appraisal or Dungeoneering at the same rating.

5. Songborn

Sometimes, a plant will hear a strange song and unroot itself, stepping out into the world to see what it has to offer. The result is a people without family or context, perpetually born anew. The songborn stumble from the woods rough and ill-formed, with wide eyes and little idea of their own identity.

Special: For every hour you spend in sunlight, you restore 2 Stamina. However, you take double damage from fire and axes.

Skills: If you want, replace one of your background’s skills with Awareness or Herbalism.

6. Strider

The “gentle giants” of the far island of Sea’s End are towering, fuzzy ogres. They stand over 7 feet tall, with heavy brows and mighty limbs covered by downy and tufted fur. Despite their intimidating size, striders are known for being ponderous or even anxious. To them, the other kinds are flighty creatures that seem to move far too fast.

Special: As long as you remain completely still, no one will see you unless they touch you. This doesn’t work on those who already know you’re there, or those who don’t need eyes to see. You can’t use equipment and armour made for smaller folk, and will struggle to fit into small spaces.

Skills: If you want, replace one of your background’s skills with Strength or Second Sight at the same rating.