Noir Edges

New Edges

Any type of Arcane Background not listed on this page isn’t generally available in Deadlands Noir.

Background Edges

Background Edges can be picked up during play— but remember, your hero can have only one Arcane Background.

Arcane Backgrounds

There are different types of Arcane Backgrounds but characters can only take one.

• Grifters: Consummate swindlers who have figured out a way to con arcane power from the manitous. As always, this power comes with a price, and in the case of grifters, that price can be terribly high.

• Patent Scientists: Mad inventors who tap into otherworldly inspiration for their designs.

• Voodooists: Practitioners of strange rites that honor the loas in exchange for miraculous abilities.

• Blessed: While the number of church-goers has dropped dramatically since to 1880's, the truly faithful are still rewarded by a higher power for their faith

• Sykers: Folks who have tapped into the power of the mind, and are highly sought after for their gift by the governments of the world

There is more on these edges under the Noir Arcane Backgrounds page

Comfortable

Requirements: Novice

Your character is a hard-working Joe who watches his wallet. He begins with the normal starting money funds ($150) and doesn’t have to halve his total funds each game week. Things are rough enough in the Big Easy that just having a steady income is an Edge! Comfortable is a requirement for taking the Noble and Rich Edges in Deadlands Noir.

Liquid Courage

Requirements: Novice, Vigor d8+

This Edge is updated from Savage Worlds Deluxe, including being a Background Edge instead of a Weird Edge. Hard liquor turns this paper tiger into the real deal,

claws and all. The round after this lush slams at least half his Vigor die type in shots of whiskey, bottles of beer, or glasses of wine, his Vigor increases by one die type (also increasing his Toughness). The staggering shamus also ignores one level of Wound modifiers (which stacks with other similar abilities). The effects last for one hour and have no detrimental effects on any other functions. If the bottle-chaser is looking to get drunk and does so, he retains the benefits above but suffers the effects as per Intoxication (see page 37). On the plus side, the palooka halves the recovery time for his overindulgence.

Veteran of the Concrete Jungle

Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Knowledge (Occult) d6+

A Veteran of the Concrete Jungle has been walking the mean streets for a while now. She’s done a lot and seen more. She starts at Seasoned Rank, which means

she has four Advances to spend immediately after character creation. Such experience comes with a price, though. If you decide to take this Edge for your shamus, draw a single card from the Action Deck and show it to the GM. He’ll compare it to the table on page 50 to see what your hero faced in the past. Be warned—the results can be extreme, ranging from serious maiming to insanity.

Combat Edges

Hard

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

Maybe it’s willpower. Maybe it’s muscle density. Or maybe your hero’s just one tough bastard. Either way, he adds +1 to his Toughness.

Hardboiled

Requirements: Veteran, Hard

This bruiser is tougher than shoe leather baked in the Sahara. He adds +2 to his Toughness.

Kung Fu

Requirements: Novice, Martial Artist, Fighting d8+, Spirit d8+

In Shan Fan, practitioners of dozens of distinct martial arts from various nations clash in their quest for justice, power, or wealth. Most Westerners—not knowing any better—lump all these fighting styles into a catch-all term; “kung fu.” But those who truly dedicate themselves to the martial arts adapt very specific styles and specialties. Rather than list the hundreds of different styles from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and so on, we’ve broken them down into general categories you can customize and describe for yourself. A warrior may know multiple styles by taking this Edge additional times, although no specialty may be taken more than once, and no more than one specialty may be used per action. Combined with standard combat Edges such as First Strike and Frenzy, Kung Fu warriors are phenomenal fighters.

• Confusion: This style emphasizes distraction, feints, or keeping a foe off-balance. The martial artist can make a Smarts trick and a Fighting attack with no multi-action penalty.

• Focus: The martial artist focuses his mind to rule out all other distractions, increasing his accuracy over long distances. He halves range penalties for all Shooting or Throwing attacks (–1 at Medium and –2 at Long).

• Defensive: The warrior moves in strange ways or perhaps senses where her opponent is about to strike. She gains an additional +2 to Parry when using the full defense maneuver (+4 total), and ranged attacks suffer a –2 to hit her when using the maneuver as well.

• Power: The martial artist considers his Strength to be two die types higher for Fighting attacks, whether attacking bare-handed or with melee weapons. This increases damage and counts toward the minimum Strength for using a weapon.

• Precision: The fighter looks for weak spots, pressure points, or other openings to increase the effectiveness of his strikes. This counts as +2 AP to all Fighting attacks. With a raise on a Fighting attack, the martial artist does +1d8 damage instead of +1d6. (This stacks with the Bruiser Edge to a d10, but only for unarmed attacks.)

• Resilient: This fighter has mastered mind over matter. He gains the Hardy monstrous ability (see Savage Worlds).

• Speed: The warrior draws an extra Action Card (and chooses one) for initiative. This stacks with Level Headed and Improved Level Headed.

• Toughness: Those who practice this style have learned to train their bodies and minds to ignore their body’s pain. This grants them +1 to Toughness and +1 to Vigor rolls made to soak damage.

• Trickery: The martial artist adds +2 to in-combat Taunt rolls and Agility tricks.

Professional Edges

Guts

Requirements: Veteran, Spirit d6+

In time, a Joe can become jaded to the soul-crushing effects of the worst the world can throw at him. A hero with Guts halves the Fear Level penalty (round down)

when making Fear checks.

Hitman

Requirements: Veteran, Agility d6+, Smarts d6+,Spirit d8+, Shooting d8+, Stealth d8+, Streetwise d6+

This hitter isn’t your average mook. She’s got a knack for putting her shots where they count. When she rolls

a raise on a Shooting attack roll, she gets a bonus 1d10 to damage instead of the usual 1d6.

Sleuth

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d6+, Notice d6+

Your flatfoot has a knack for spotting things most other folks—even the cops—miss. You can spend a Benny to have your character find any and all relevant clues in a scene, no roll necessary.

Talented

Requirements: Novice, Perform d6+

You’re gifted. In fact, you might even be good enough to make a living at it, kid! Choose a Perform (Specialization) each time you take this Edge. You get +2 to all your rolls with the chosen specialization. Also, in general, you’re able to find a nightclub or theater willing to give you the stage once a week. Whenever you do, you earn $5 x the total of your skill roll in box office receipts, cover charges, and/or tips. This Edge doesn’t guarantee you fame. That, you still have to earn the hard way.

Virtuoso

Requirements: Novice, Perform d10+, Talented

You’ve got the kind of talent that can make you famous. Choose a Perform (Specialization) in which you already have the Talented Edge. You gain an additional +2 to all rolls with that skill. On top of that, you’re able to occasionally book gigs that bring in the big bucks, but no more often than once a month. This gig earns you $10 x the total of your skill roll. The rest of the month, you’re sdoing club acts and the like, but hey, twenty bucks is twenty bucks. Like Talented, this Edge doesn’t

ensure your performer is going to be famous, butit sure helps!

Social Edges

Moxie

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d6+, Taunt d8+

Your gumshoe can cut a mook down to size with a few sharp words, or turn a goon’s threats into a laughing matter with only a sentence or two. Your hero gets a +2 to all Taunt rolls and can use Taunt in place of his Smarts or Spirit when resisting a Test of Wills.

Weird Edges

Harrowed

Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Spirit d6+

Some bums are just too tough to lie down and stay dead when they get plugged. The price they pay is an eternal battle for their own soul with the demonic “manitous” that provide their unnatural vitality. Harrowed may only be selected at character creation. To get it later requires shedding the mortal coil and a whole lot of luck (the GM has information on how this occurs on page 53). If you take this Edge, your character has been reborn into unlife and you can read up on the grisly details on page 42. Otherwise, stay out of there and let the dead rest in peace.

Legendary Edges

Grit

Requirements: Legendary, Brave, Guts, Spirit d8+

What some call Hell, your hero calls home. This

character ignores Fear Level penalties when making

Fear Checks.

Edges from the Savage Worlds Deluxe book:

Edges

Below is a list of Edges common to most settings. You'll find more Edges in official Savage Worlds setting books as well. The Edges are grouped by type to help during character creation. Unless an Edge specifically says otherwise, it may only be selected once.

► Requirements: Below each Edge are any skills and Rank required to take it. A Novice character can't buy a Legendary Edge, for instance. A character may always purchase an Edge of a Rank lower than his.

► Improved Edges: Some Edges have improved effects if you purchase additional “levels” in them, such as Attractive and Very Attractive, or Rich and Filthy Rich. To buy an Improved Edge, you must have all previous versions of an Edge. You must choose Rich before buying Filthy Rich, for example.

Background Edges

These Edges are hereditary and background advantages or learned responses that develop in a character after prolonged training or exposure to certain events. Players can choose these Edges after character creation but the Game Master might require a little more rationalization. An individual might choose the Attractive Edge, for example, by cleaning herself up, getting a makeover, and generally paying more attention to her looks. Characters might be able to gain the Arcane Background Edge as well, should they find a book of forbidden knowledge or train under another arcane type in their party.

Design Note - Background Edges

In previous versions of Savage Worlds, Background Edges could only be taken at character creation without special permission by the Game Master. We've changed that rule and you may now take Background Edges as advances just like any other. If you care about the rationalization of such things, you may want to link them to an event in your game. If a player wants the Fast Healer Edge, for example, you might say (or the Game Master might require) that exposure to the party's magical healing, or a new emphasis on health and fitness, have given the hero this ability.

Alertness

Requirements: Novice

Not much gets by your hero. He's very observant and perceptive, and adds +2 to his Notice rolls to hear, see, or otherwise sense the world around him.

Ambidextrous

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

Your hero is as deft with his left hand as he is with his right. Characters normally suffer a –2 penalty when performing physical tasks with the off-hand (characters are assumed to be right-handed). With this Edge, your warrior ignores the –2 penalty for using his off-hand (see page 75).

Arcane Background

Requirements: Novice, Special

This is the Edge your character must purchase to have any sort of magical, psionic, or other supernatural ability. See Chapter Five for a complete description of Arcane Backgrounds.

Arcane Resistance

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

This individual is particularly resistant to magic (including psionics, weird science, etc.), whether by nature or by heritage. He acts as if he had 2 points of Armor when hit by damage-causing arcane powers, and adds +2 to his Trait rolls when resisting opposed powers. Even friendly arcane powers must subtract this modifier to affect the resistant hero.

Improved Arcane Resistance

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Resistance

As above but Armor and resistance are increased to 4.

Attractive

Requirements: Novice, Vigor d6+

It's no secret that beautiful people have an easier time getting their way in life. This Edge grants your beautiful or handsome character +2 to Charisma.

Very Attractive

Requirements: Novice, Attractive

Your hero is drop-dead gorgeous. His Charisma is increased to +4.

Berserk

Requirements: Novice

Immediately after suffering a wound (including a Shaken result from physical damage), your hero must make a Smarts roll or go Berserk. While Berserk, his Parry is reduced by 2 but he adds +2 to all Fighting, Strength, melee damage rolls, and Toughness. The warrior ignores all wound modifiers while Berserk, but cannot use any skills, Edges, or maneuvers that require concentration, including Shooting and Taunt, but not Intimidation. Berserkers attack with reckless abandon. Anytime his Fighting die is a 1 (regardless of his Wild Die), he hits a random adjacent target (not the original target). The attack may hit friend as well as foe. If there are no other adjacent targets, the blow simply misses. The Berserker may end his rage by doing nothing (not even moving) for one full action and making a Smarts roll at –2.

Brave

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d6+

Those with this Edge have learned to master their fear. Or perhaps are so jaded or emotionally distant they've just lost their normal “fight or flight” responses. Either way, your hero adds +2 to Fear tests. If the character is in a setting that uses Guts as a Setting Rule, it adds to that as well.

Brawny

Requirements: Novice, Strength and Vigor d6+

Your bruiser is very large or perhaps just very fit. His bulk resists damage better than most and adds +1 to his

Toughness. In addition, the character can carry more than most proportional to his Strength. He can carry 8 times his Strength in pounds without penalty instead of the usual 5 times his Strength.

Fast Healer

Requirements: Novice, Vigor d8+

Some individuals just seem to heal faster than others. Those with this blessing add +2 to Vigor rolls when checking for natural healing. See page 78 for complete rules on Healing.

Fleet-Footed

Requirements: Novice, Agility d6+

The hero's Pace is increased by +2 and he rolls a d10 instead of a d6 when running. Linguist Requirements: Novice, Smarts d6+ The character has an ear for languages and a rare talent for recognizing similarities between them. A character with this Edge starts with a number of languages equal to his Smarts die, and can make a Smarts roll at –2 to make herself understood in any language or dialect she has heard spoken for at least a week.

Luck

Requirements: Novice

The adventurer seems to be blessed by fate, karma, the gods, or whatever external forces he believes in (or believe in him!)

He draws one extra Benny at the beginning of each game session, allowing him to succeed at important tasks more often than most, and survive incredible dangers.

Great Luck

Requirements: Novice, Luck

The player draws two extra Bennies instead of one at the start of each session.

Noble

Requirements: Novice

Those born of noble blood have many perks in life, but often have just as many responsibilities. Nobles have high status in their societies, are entitled to special treatment from their foes, gain +2 Charisma, and also have the Rich Edge. This gives the hero several Edges for the price of one, but the responsibilities more than offset the additional perks. Nobles often have troops under their control, as well as land, a family home, and other assets. All of this must be determined by the GM, and balanced by the grave responsibilities the character faces. As an example, a character in a fantasy campaign might have a company of swordsmen, a small keep, and even a magical sword he inherited from his father. But he also has an entire region to manage, criminals to judge, justice to mete out, and a jealous neighbor who covets his lands and constantly plots against him at court.

Quick

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

Quick characters have lightning-fast reflexes and a cool head. Whenever you are dealt a 5 or lower in combat, you may discard and draw again until you get a card higher than 5. Characters with both the Level Headed and Quick Edges draw their additional card and take the best as usual. If that card is a Five or less, the Quick Edge may be used to draw a replacement until it's Six or higher.

Rich

Requirements: Novice

Whether the individual was born with a silver spoon in his mouth or earned it through hard work, he's got more money than most. Rich heroes start with three times the normal starting funds for the setting. If a regular income is appropriate for this setting, the hero receives the modern day equivalent of a $150,000 annual salary.

Filthy Rich

Requirements: Novice, Rich or Noble

This character is very wealthy. He has five times the starting funds for the setting and, if appropriate, a yearly income of around $500,000. Wealthier characters should have a very complete background as well. This needs to be worked out with the GM, and comes with many more assets as well as onerous responsibilities.

Combat Edges

These Edges are designed to help your hero dish out terrible damage—or survive it—in the bloody battles of Savage Worlds.

Block

Requirements: Seasoned, Fighting d8+

Warriors who engage in frequent hand-to-hand combat are far more skilled in personal defense than most others. They've learned not only how to attack, but how to block their opponent's blows as well. A fighter with this Edge adds +1 to his Parry.

Improved Block

Requirements: Veteran, Block

As above, but the hero adds +2 to his Parry.

Brawler

Requirements: Novice, Str d8+

Frequent fights with his bare hands have given this thug a powerful punch. When he hits a foe with a successful bare-handed Fighting roll, he adds +2 to his damage.

Bruiser

Requirements: Seasoned, Brawler

When the bruiser gets a raise on his bare-handed Fighting attack, he rolls a d8 instead of a d6.

Combat Reflexes

Requirements: Seasoned

Your adventurer recovers quickly from shock and trauma. He adds +2 to his Spirit roll when attempting to recover from being Shaken.

Counterattack

Requirements: Seasoned, Fighting d8+

Fighters with this Edge know how to respond instantly to an enemy's mistakes. Once per round (if not Shaken), the character receives one free Fighting attack against one adjacent foe who failed a Fighting attack against him. This attack is made at –2, and the Counterattack must be a normal attack (no Disarm, Wild Attack, or other maneuvers), and may not be combined with Frenzy or Sweep. It may be used with the Defend maneuver, but not Full Defense.

Improved Counterattack

Requirements: Veteran, Counterattack

As above but the character may ignore the –2 penalty.

Dodge

Requirements: Seasoned, Agility d8+

Some crafty types know how to get out of harm's way. This Edge allows them to use cover, movement, and concealment to make them harder to hit. Unless they are the victim of a surprise attack and taken completely unaware, attackers must subtract 1 from their ranged attack rolls when targeting them (even in close combat). Characters who attempt to evade area effect attacks may add +1 to their Agility roll as well (when allowed).

Improved Dodge

Requirements: Veteran, Dodge

As above but attackers subtract 2 from their attack rolls, and the character adds +2 to evade area effect weapons when allowed.

Elan

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

When this spirited hero puts his heart into something it tends to pay off in big ways. When you spend a Benny on a Trait roll (including Soak rolls), add +2 to the final total.

Extraction

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

When a character normally withdraws from a melee, his attacker gets a free attack before he does so—a very dangerous proposition for most. Your hero is adept at retreating from an engagement. Make an Agility roll. If successful, one opponent doesn't get a free attack anytime you disengage (see page 76).

Improved Extraction

Requirements: Novice, Extraction

As above but if you succeed with a raise all opponents currently in melee with the character lose their free attack as your warrior withdraws.

First Strike

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

Once per turn the hero (if not Shaken) gets a free Fighting attack against a single foe who moves adjacent to him. This automatically interrupts the opponent's action and does not cost the hero his action if he is on Hold or has not yet acted this round.

Improved First Strike

Requirements: Heroic, First Strike

As above but the hero may make one free attack against each and every foe who moves adjacent to him.

Florentine

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Fighting d8+

A character trained to fight “Florentine” is a master at wielding two weapons at once. He adds +1 to his Fighting rolls versus an opponent with a single weapon and no shield. In addition, opponents subtract 1 from any “gang up” bonuses they would normally get against the fighter as his two flashing blades parry their blows.

Frenzy

Requirements: Seasoned, Fighting d10+

Frenzied fighters make fast and furious melee attacks, sacrificing finesse for raw speed. This allows them to make an extra Fighting attack per round at a –2 penalty to all Fighting rolls. This attack must be taken at the same time as another Fighting attack though it may target any two foes adjacent to the hero (Wild Cards roll two Fighting dice and one Wild Die). The –2 penalty is subtracted from all attacks. A character armed with two weapons still only makes one extra attack.

Improved Frenzy

Requirements: Veteran, Frenzy

As above but the character may ignore the –2 Frenzy penalty.

Giant Killer

Requirements: Veteran

The bigger they are, the harder they are to kill. At least for most. But your hero knows how to find the weak points in massive creatures. Your hero does +1d6 damage when attacking creatures three sizes or more larger than himself. An ogre (Size +3) with this ability, for example, gains the bonus only against creatures of Size +6 or greater. A human Giant Killer (Size 0), can claim the bonus against the ogre, however.

Hard to Kill

Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Spirit d8+

This adventurer has more lives than a truckload of cats. When forced to make Vigor rolls due to Incapacitation, he may ignore his wound modifiers. This only applies to Vigor rolls called for to resist Incapacitation or death (see page 68). He still suffers from wound modifiers for other Trait rolls normally.

Harder to Kill

Requirements: Veteran, Hard to Kill

Your hero is tougher to kill than Rasputin. If he is ever “killed,” roll a die. On an odd result, he's dead as usual. On an even roll, he's Incapacitated but somehow escapes death. He may be captured, stripped of all his belongings, or mistakenly left for dead, but he somehow survives.

Improvisational Fighter

Requirements: Seasoned, Smarts d6+

Heroes often find themselves fighting with pieces of equipment or furnishings not designed for combat. A character with this Edge has a knack for using such improvised weapons, and does not suffer the usual –1 penalty to attack and Parry when wielding them. See page 73 for details.

Killer Instinct

Requirements: Heroic

This hero hates losing. If he ties on an opposed roll of any sort, he wins. In addition, if his skill die on an opposed skill roll is a 1, he can reroll it (but must keep the second result, even if it's another 1).

Level Headed

Requirements: Seasoned, Smarts d8+

Fighters who can keep their cool when everyone else is running for cover are deadly customers in combat. A hero with this Edge draws an additional Action Card in combat and acts on the best of the draw.

Improved Level Headed

Requirements: Seasoned, Level Headed

As above but the hero draws 3 cards.

Marksman

Requirements: Seasoned

The hero excels at taking controlled, measured shots. If he does not move in a turn, he may fire as if he took the Aim maneuver. Marksman may never be used with a Rate of Fire greater than 1. Marksman works with both Shooting and Throwing.

Martial Artist

Requirements: Novice, Fighting d6+

This character is highly trained in hand-to-hand fighting. He is never considered unarmed in combat and so is never subject to the Unarmed Defender rule (page 76). With a successful unarmed attack, he adds +d4 to his Strength roll (as if he were using a small weapon).

Improved Martial Artist

Requirements: Veteran, Martial Arts, Fighting d10+

The character now adds +d6 to his bare-handed damage.

Nerves of Steel

Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Vigor d8+

Your hero has learned to fight on through the most intense pain. He may ignore 1 point of wound penalties.

Improved Nerves of Steel

Requirements: Novice, Nerves of Steel

The hero ignores 2 points of wound penalties.

No Mercy

Requirements: Seasoned

The character may spend a Benny to reroll any one damage roll, including those made for area effect attacks.

Quick Draw

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

This Edge allows a hero to draw a weapon as a free action (and thus ignore the usual –2 multi-action penalty if he chooses to fire as well). If the character must make an Agility roll to draw a weapon (see page 66), he adds +2 to the roll.

Rock and Roll!

Requirements: Seasoned, Shooting d8+

Some veteran shooters learn to compensate for the recoil of fully automatic weapons. If a character with this Edge does not move, he may ignore the recoil penalty for firing a weapon on full automatic.

Steady Hands

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

Your hero ignores the “unstable platform” penalty for firing from the backs of animals or while riding in moving vehicles. In addition, when performing actions while Running (see page 65), his penalty is –1 instead of –2.

Sweep

Requirements: Novice, Strength d8+, Fighting d8+

Sweep allows a character to make a single Fighting attack and apply it against all currently adjacent targets at a –2 penalty (friends and foes alike—be careful). Resolve each damage roll separately. The attack is applied immediately when rolled and only affects targets adjacent at that time. A character may not use Sweep in the same round she uses Frenzy, nor may she Sweep more than once per round, or with a second weapon held in another hand. In effect, the hero may only perform Sweep once per action unless she somehow gets two entire actions (perhaps under the effects of a spell or power, for example).

Improved Sweep

Requirements: Veteran, Sweep

As above but the hero may ignore the –2 penalty.

Trademark Weapon

Requirements: Novice, Fighting or Shooting of d10+

The hero knows one unique weapon (Excalibur, Old Betsy, Sting) like the back of his hand. When using that weapon, he adds +1 to his Fighting, Shooting, or Throwing rolls. A hero can take this Edge multiple times, applying it to a different weapon each time. If a Trademark Weapon is lost, the hero can replace it, but the benefit of the Edge doesn't kick in for two game weeks.

Improved Trademark Weapon

Requirements: Veteran, Trademark Weapon

As above but the bonus when using the weapon increases to +2.

Two-Fisted

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+ A Two-Fisted hero isn't ambidextrous—he's simply learned to fight with two weapons (or both fists) at once. When attacking with a weapon in each hand, he rolls each attack separately but ignores the multi-action penalty (see page 66).

Leadership Edges

Leadership Edges grant bonuses to subordinates, making them more effective, reliable, or durable. These Edges apply only to a number of subordinates within 5” (the “command radius”), and are not cumulative with the same Edge from other leaders. Subordinates may benefit from different Leadership Edges by the same or different leaders.

Command

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d6+

Command is the ability to give clear instructions to surrounding allies and enforce your hero's will upon them. This makes your character's compatriots more willing to fight on despite their wounds, and so adds +1 to their Spirit rolls to recover from being Shaken.

Command Presence

Requirements: Novice, Command

A booming voice, effective commands, natural charisma, or simple training results in a much more effective combat element. At the center of that element is the officer in command. A hero with this Edge has a “command radius” of 10” instead of the usual 5”.

Fervor

Requirements: Veteran, Command, Spirit d8+

A simple phrase uttered by a great leader can sometimes have momentous results. A leader with this ability can inspire his men to bloody fervor by yelling a motto, slogan, or other inspirational words. Those in the command radius add +1 to their Fighting damage rolls.

Hold the Line!

Requirements: Seasoned, Command, Smarts d8+

This Edge strengthens the will of the men under the hero's command. The troops add +1 to their Toughness.

Inspire

Requirements: Seasoned, Command

Leaders with exceptional reputations and experience in battle inspire the soldiers around them. They add +2 to Spirit rolls when recovering from being Shaken (this includes the original +1 bonus for the Command Edge).

Leader of Men

Requirements: Veteran, Command

Command comes easy to this commander. Those under his command work like a well-oiled machine when he's in charge. Allies under the leader's command roll a d10 as the Wild Die instead of a d6 when making group rolls.

Natural Leader

Requirements: Novice, Command, Spirit d8+

This Edge signifies a special link between a leader and his men. With it, he may share his Bennies with any troops under his command.

Tactician

Requirements: Seasoned, Command, Wild Card, Smarts d8+, Knowledge (Battle) d6+

The leader has a natural grasp of small unit tactics and can frequently take advantage of a rapidly changing situation. At the beginning of a fight and before any Action Cards are dealt, the hero makes a Knowledge (Battle) roll. For each success and raise he receives one Action Card. These are kept separate from his regular Action Cards and are not placed back into the deck until used or the combat ends (including Jokers!). At the start of any round, the hero may give one or more of these extra cards to his allies, whether Extras or Wild Cards, who then use it as their Action Card for the round in place of the one dealt them. This allows Extras to operate independently of Wild Card characters for one round if they receive their own card. Only one character per encounter may use this Edge.

Power Edges

Power Edges are for those with Arcane Backgrounds. See Chapter Five for more information on each type of Arcane Background, how to use them, and the powers available.

New Power

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background

An arcane character may learn a new power by choosing this Edge (which may be taken multiple times). He may choose from any powers normally available to his particular Arcane Background.

Power Points

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background

Wizards, weird scientists, and other arcane types always want more power. This Edge grants them an additional 5 Power Points. Power Points may be selected more than once, but only once per Rank.

Rapid Recharge

Requirements: Seasoned, Spirit d6+, Arcane Background

This Edge allows an arcane character to regain 1 Power Point every 30 minutes.

Improved Rapid Recharge

Requirements: Veteran, Rapid Recharge

The character regains 1 Power Point every 15 minutes.

Soul Drain

Requirements: Seasoned, Arcane Background (any but Weird Science), Knowledge (Arcana) d10+

Spellcasters, mentalists, and other arcane types in dire need of Power Points may use this Edge to drain energy from their own souls. To use this dangerous ability, the arcane character first decides how many Power Points he wants to draw from himself. Then he makes a Spirit roll minus the number of points he's trying to drain. (This is a free action.) On a Spirit total of 1 or less, the character suffers a wound and falls unconscious for 1d6 hours. On a failure, the character suffers a wound. On a success or better, the character gets the points he needed and may attempt to cast a spell with them immediately (they may not be saved).

Professional Edges

Professional Edges are very special abilities that reflect many years of practicing a particular trade. In some cases they may also represent special blessings from higher powers as well. These Edges help you create a character who is far more competent in his chosen field than most others. If you want to make a very effective Mad Scientist, for example, you could combine the Arcane Background (Weird Science) with the Gadgeteer and Mr. Fix It Edges. Professional Edges represent many years of training so their Requirements are quite high. Players may purchase Professional Edges after character creation, but should usually lead up to it story-wise by practicing the affected trade during down-time or in between adventures. The time spent acquiring one of these abilities is subjective and up to the Game Master, but makes the game much more believable if a little narrative time is spent training.

► Stacking: Bonuses to the same Trait from different Professional Edges do not stack. If you make a hero with both the Woodsman and the Thief Edges, for example, he gains +2 to his Stealth skill, not +4.

Ace

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+

Aces are special pilots and drivers who feel more comfortable behind the wheel, throttle, or flight stick than on their own two feet. Aces add +2 to Boating, Driving, and Piloting rolls. In addition, they may also spend Bennies to make Soak rolls for any vehicle or vessel they control. This is a Boating, Driving, or Piloting roll at –2 (cancelling their usual +2). Each success and raise negates a wound and any critical hit that would have resulted from it.

Acrobat

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Strength d6+

Those who have formal training in the acrobatic arts or are naturally agile may take this Edge. It adds +2 to all Agility rolls made to perform acrobatic maneuvers (including Trick maneuvers), and also adds +1 to a character's Parry as long as he has no encumbrance penalty.

Adept

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Miracles), Martial Artist, Faith d8+, Fighting d8+

Adepts are holy warriors who have trained themselves to be living weapons. Some do so to be ultimate warriors; others do it in the service of a cause or deity. As a free action, an adept can spend 1 Power Point to gain AP 2 with all of his unarmed attacks until his next action. In addition, upon taking this Edge and at each new Rank, they may choose to change the trappings of one of the following powers to work only on themselves but be activated as a free action: boost/lower trait, deflection, healing, smite, or speed. The Adept must have the power to begin with, and this does not allow him to activate more than one power in a round.

Assassin

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Climbing d6+, Fighting d6+, Stealth d8+

Assassins are trained killers who know how to kill with deadly precision — if they can properly approach their prey. Assassins add +2 to any damage roll where they strike a foe unawares (even with ranged attacks).

Champion

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Miracles), Spirit d8+, Strength d6+, Vigor d8+, Faith d6+, Fighting d8+

Champions are holy (or unholy) men and women chosen to fight for a particular deity or religion. Most are pious souls ready and willing to lay down their lives for a greater cause, but some may have been born into the role and follow their path with some reluctance. Champions fight the forces of darkness (or good). They add +2 damage when attacking supernaturally evil (or good) creatures, and have +2 Toughness when suffering damage from supernaturally evil (or good) sources, including arcane powers and the weapons, claws, teeth, etc., of such creatures.

Gadgeteer

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Back-ground (Weird Science), Smarts d8+, Repair d8+, Weird Science d8+, at least two other scientific Knowledge skills at d6+

These mechanical gurus are so technically savvy they can quickly build a machine to handle nearly any situation. Once per game session, a gadgeteer can create a “jury-rigged” device from spare parts. The device functions just like any other Weird Science device, and uses any power available to Weird Scientists in that setting (though this is still subject to Rank restrictions). It has half the inventor's Power Points, and once these are used up, the gadget burns out and does not recharge. The inventor must have access to some parts and a reasonable amount of time (GM's call, but at least 1d20 minutes) to create the gizmo.

Holy/Unholy Warrior

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Miracles), Spirit d8+, Faith d6+

Acolytes, clerics, paladins, holy slayers, and other avatars of the gods are frequently tasked with battling the forces of evil in the mortal world. This Edge gives them a slight advantage against such foes. As an action, a priest or other holy person may call upon his chosen deity to repulse supernaturally evil creatures, such as the undead, demons, and the like. It also works on evil characters with the Arcane Background (Miracles) Edge. Repulsing evil costs 1 Power Point and has a range of the character's Spirit. Targeted creatures within that range must make a Spirit roll. Failure means the creature is Shaken; a 1 means it is destroyed. Wild Cards suffer an automatic Wound instead. A character may also be an Unholy Warrior working for the forces of evil. In this case, he repulses good creatures, such as angels, paladins, or good characters with Arcane Background (Miracles).

Investigator

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d8+, Investigation d8+, Streetwise d8+

Investigators have spent a great deal of time researching ancient legends, working the streets, or deducing devilish mysteries. Some of these heroes are actual Private Investigators for hire while others may be sleuthing mages in a fantasy world or perhaps inquisitive college professors stumbling upon Things Man Was Not Meant to Know in the dark of night. Investigators add +2 to Investigation and Streetwise rolls, as well as Notice rolls made to search through evidence.

Jack-of-All-Trades

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d10+

Through advanced schooling, book-learning, computer-enhanced skill programs, or just amazing intuitive perception, your hero has a talent for picking up skills on the fly. There is little he can't figure out given a little time and a dash of luck. Any time he makes an unskilled roll for a Smarts-based skill, he may do so at d4 instead of the usual d4–2.

McGyver

Requirements: Novice, Smarts d6+, Repair d6+, Notice d8+

This character can improvise something when the need for a tool arises. He suffers no negative penalties on Trait rolls for lack of equipment in most situations. In addition, given a few simple tools, props, or devices, he can generally rig devices to help escape from death-traps, weapons to match some bizarre need, or otherwise create something that's needed when such a thing isn't actually present. The extent of this is completely up to the Game Master, but creativity should be rewarded, particularly in dire situations where few other answers are possible.

Mentalist

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Psionics), Smarts d8+, Psionics d6+

Mentalists are masters of mind control and psionics. Some are pulp heroes, others are trained in secret government academies to root out traitors. Their frequent toying with human minds gives them a +2 on any opposed Psionics roll, whether they are using their powers against a foe or are trying to defend against a rival Mentalist.

Mr. Fix It

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Weird Science), Smarts d10+, Repair d8+, Weird Science d8+, at least two other scientific Knowledge skills at d6+

The inventor adds +2 to Repair rolls. With a raise, he halves the time normally required to fix something. This means that if a particular Repair job already states that a raise repairs it in half the time, a Mr. Fix It could finish the job in one-quarter the time with a raise.

Scholar

Requirements: Novice, d8+ in affected skill

Learned professors, devoted students, and amateur enthusiasts spend months of their lives studying particular subjects. They become experts in these fields, and rarely fail to answer questions in their particular area of expertise. Pick any two Knowledge skills the Scholar has a d8 or better in. Add +2 to your total whenever these skills are used. Those who study military history have a natural edge when commanding troops in Mass Battles (see page 92)—a +2 to a Knowledge (Battle) roll can mean the difference between a rousing victory and a crushing defeat.

Thief

Requirements: Novice, Agility d8+, Climbing d6+, Lockpicking d6+, Stealth d8+

Thieves specialize in deceit, treachery, and acrobatics. They can be invaluable where traps must be detected, walls must be climbed, and locks must be picked. Thieves add +2 to Climbing, Lockpick, Stealth, as well as Notice or Repair rolls that relate to traps and similar devices. The bonus to Stealth does not apply when the character is in a wilderness environment—only in urban areas.

Wizard

Requirements: Novice, Arcane Background (Magic), Smarts d8+, Knowledge (Arcana) d8+, Spellcasting d6+

Wizards range from young apprentices to frighteningly powerful supreme sorcerers. They are often physically weak, however, and rarely have the divine powers or healing abilities of priestly spellcasters. What they lack in spiritual favor, however, they more than make up for in utility and eldritch might. Wizards tend to learn their craft in formalized institutions or under the tutelage of experienced masters. Each raise a Wizard gets on his Spellcasting roll reduces the cost of the spell by 1 Power Point. The Wizard must have the points available to cast the spell in the first place before rolling.

Woodsman

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d6+, Survival d8+, Tracking d8+

Woodsmen are rangers, scouts, and hunters who are more at home in the wilderness than in urban areas. They are skilled trackers and scouts, and know how to live off the land for months at a time. Woodsmen gain +2 to Tracking, Survival, and Stealth rolls made in the wilderness (not towns, ruins, or underground).

Social Edges

Getting people to do what you want is a critical skill in most any setting. These Edges help your hero do just that.

Charismatic

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

Your hero has learned how to work with others, even those who might be somewhat opposed to him or his efforts. This adds +2 to his Charisma.

Common Bond

Requirements: Wild Card, Novice, Spirit d8+

This Edge signifies a special link between close companions— such as a typical party. It doesn't matter whether or not the characters get along perfectly or not, they've just formed a close and common bond during their epic adventures. A character with this Edge may freely give his Bennies to any other Wild Card he can communicate with. This represents the character giving his verbal or spiritual support to the ally. The player should say what his character is doing to give the support. The gesture could be as complex as a rousing speech, or as simple as a knowing nod.

Connections

Requirements: Novice

Whether it's to the Feds, the cops, the Mob, or some big corporation, your heroine knows someone on the inside— someone who is willing to lend her a hand on occasion (usually once per game session). This Edge may be taken more than once, but each time must be applied to a different organization. The GM should also ensure the organization is limited to a single, unique organization. A hero may, for instance, have Connections (US Army), but he shouldn't have a blanket Connections (Military). To use a character's Connections requires that she first get in touch with one of her contacts. This requires a Streetwise roll. Failure means the particular contact wasn't available, their cell phone wasn't on, or they were otherwise tied up. Once in contact, the hero must make a Persuasion roll. The GM should feel free to modify both the Persuasion roll and any results based on the circumstances. A failure indicates the heroine's contacts just couldn't come through this time, or perhaps just weren't persuaded that their help was really necessary. On a success, the contact might share information, but won't do anything too risky to help. On a raise, the contact is willing to leak sensitive information, but stops short of outright betrayal. Two or more raises means the heroine has pushed the right buttons and can count on serious help. The Connection will risk serious consequences for the heroine, and if she needs financial assistance, may provide more than he's comfortable with. If the heroine asks for muscle, the contact delivers either one expert (a safe-cracker, wheel-man, security expert, etc.) or five average fighter-types for the contact's particular organization (a mob boss sends five thugs, the Army sends five infantrymen, etc.).

Strong Willed

Requirements: Novice, Intimidation d6+, Taunt d6+

Characters with strong willpower use their voice, steely stares, or quick wits to unnerve their opponents. Strong Willed adds +2 to a character's Intimidation and Taunt rolls, as well as his Spirit and Smarts rolls when resisting Test of Wills attacks.

Weird Edges

Weird Edges are slightly supernatural and only appropriate in games with those elements.

Beast Bond

Requirements: Novice

Some individuals can exert incredible will over their animal companions. These characters may spend their own Bennies for any animals under their control, including mounts, pet dogs, familiars, and so on.

Beast Master

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

Animals like your hero, and won't attack him unless he attacks them first or they are enraged for some reason. His “animal magnetism” is so great he's attracted a loyal animal of some sort as well. This is typically a dog, wolf, or raptor, though the GM may allow other companions if it fits the setting. The beast is an Extra (not a Wild Card). If it should be killed, the hero finds a replacement in 2d6 days.

Danger Sense

Requirements: Novice

Your hero can sense when something bad is about to happen. Anytime he's about to be the victim of a surprise attack, ambush, or other nasty surprise, he gets a Notice roll at –2 just before the attack or event occurs. If successful, the character knows something is about to happen and may take appropriate action against it. This means the hero is on Hold for the first round of a combat. Should the hero fail his roll, he still follows the normal Surprise rules, if applicable (see page 65).

Healer

Requirements: Novice, Spirit d8+

A hero with this Edge adds +2 to all Healing rolls (including natural healing rolls for his own wounds), whether natural or magical in nature. Up to five companions traveling with a Healer add the bonus to their natural healing rolls as well.

Liquid Courage

Requirements: Novice, Vigor d8+

Your hero processes alcohol far differently than most. The round after consuming a stiff drink (at least 8 ounces of hard liquor or equivalent), the character's Vigor increases by one die type (increasing Toughness as well). The hard drinker can also ignore one level of wound modifiers (which stacks with other abilities that do the same). The effect lasts for one hour after it begins. If the drunkard seeks inebriation he suffers –2 to Smarts and Agility-based rolls for as long as he continues to drink and the next 1d6 hours thereafter.

Scavenger

Requirements: Novice, Luck

Once per session the hero may “suddenly remember” that he has a much-needed piece of equipment on his person. The item must be capable of being stored in the hero's pocket or bag (assuming he has one), and the Game Master has the final word on what can be found.

Wild Card Edges

The following Edges work only when the character is dealt a Joker during combat. The Edge's effects are in addition to the usual effects of being dealt a Joker.

Dead Shot

Requirements: Wild Card, Seasoned, Shooting/ Throwing d10+

The character doubles his total damage when making a successful Shooting or Throwing attack this round.

Mighty Blow

Requirements: Wild Card, Seasoned, Fighting d10+

The character doubles his total damage when making a successful Fighting attack this round.

Power Surge

Requirements: Wild Card, Seasoned, arcane skill d10+

This Edge is for those characters with Arcane Backgrounds. When dealt a Joker, the character recovers 2d6 Power Points. He may not exceed his usual limit.

Legendary Edges

Most Legendary Edges are very specific to their campaign world—such as gaining a stronghold or divine favor—but a few fit most anywhere, as shown below.

Followers

Requirements: Wild Card, Legendary

Heroes often acquire dedicated warbands, “merry men,” or others who voluntarily follow the hero on his adventures. Each time this Edge is chosen, five followers join the hero's band. Casualties are not automatically replaced, so a hero may need to choose this Edge again on occasion to replenish his losses. The followers must have some way to eat and earn income, and generally want a piece of whatever loot, treasure, or other rewards the hero acquires. Otherwise, they are completely dedicated to their idol and risk their lives for him under any normal conditions. They won't knowingly throw their lives away except under very special circumstances. The GM determines the followers' statistics, but in general, use the Soldier statistics presented on page 81. Followers generally come with only basic equipment depending on their particular setting (warriors in fantasy come with at least leather armor and short swords, for example). The hero must purchase any additional equipment for his Followers himself.

Martial Arts Master

Requirements: Legendary, Improved Martial Arts, Fighting d12+

The warrior is deadly with his hands. He adds +2 to his bare-handed damage every time he takes this Edge, up to a maximum of five times for a total damage bonus of +10.

Professional

Requirements: Legendary, d12 in affected Trait

The character is an expert at a particular skill or attribute (his choice). That Trait becomes d12+1. This Edge may be selected more than once, but it may never be applied to the same skill or attribute twice.

Expert

Requirements: Legendary, Professional in affected Trait

As above, but the Trait increases to d12+2.

Master

Requirements: Wild Card, Legendary, Expert in affected Trait

The character's Wild Die increases to a d10 when rolling a particular Trait of his choice. This Edge may be chosen multiple times, though it only affects a particular Trait once.

Sidekick

Requirements: Wild Card, Legendary

A character who triumphs over evil time and time again becomes an inspiration to others. Eventually, one of these young crusaders may attempt to join the hero in his epic quests. The hero gains a Novice Rank sidekick. The sidekick is a Wild Card, gains experience as usual, and has abilities that complement or mimic his hero's. The player character should control his sidekick just like any other ally. Of course, the sidekick may occasionally cause trouble (by getting captured, running into danger when he's not supposed to, etc.). The player should be prepared for his “Edge” to occasionally become a “Hindrance.” If the sidekick dies, he isn't replaced unless the hero chooses this Edge again.

Tough as Nails

Requirements: Legendary

Your hero is a grizzled veteran. Increase his Toughness by +1.

Improved Tough as Nails

Requirements: Legendary, Tough as Nails

Increase your hero's Toughness by another +1.

Weapon Master

Requirements: Legendary, Fighting d12

Increase your hero's Parry by +1.

Master of Arms

Requirements: Legendary, Weapon Master

Increase your hero's Parry by another +1.