Spes Magna Games

The Halflings, so-called because they resemble humans in most ways except for height and toughness of foot, are not a numerous race, but they have an ancient pedigree. Indeed, the Halflings claim they were the first race created by the true god, whom they call Mnorh, which means “Illumination” in Trgovija, the trade tongue. Halfling scholars disagree on whether Mnorh created the other races, or whether Mnorh created the gods who created the other races, but either way the message remains the same: Mnorh is supreme. Most Halflings live semi-nomadic lives, establishing temporary settlements in fertile lands to graze their sheep and farm for a season before moving on. They are prolific traders, and those Halflings that reside in towns almost always seem to be engaged in business of some sort. Scrupulous and industrious, Halflings would be more trusted and liked if not for their religious beliefs, which many peoples view as insulting, even dangerous. Spates of terrible violence aimed at Halflings punctuate their history, and Halflings have developed a strong warrior tradition in response to the not infrequent threats to their way of life.

Halfling Class Abilities

Accuracy and Agility: Halflings receive a +2 attack bonus when firing missile weapons in combat. Halfling have special skill in fighting giants, ogres, and similar giant-type creatures such as trolls. Against Halflings, such monsters only inflict half the normal damage. Halflings possess natural agility and grace. They move quietly, climb and hide well, and perform acrobatic feats. The chances to do so are shown on the adjacent table. Of course, a Halfling may not be able to perform such feats wearing certain types of armor or if carrying too much weight.

Establish Fort: At tenth level, a Halfling who chooses to build a fort may attract a body of loyal followers who swear fealty to the character.

Experience Bonus for Dexterity: Dexterity is the Prime Attribute for Halflings, which means a Halfling with Dexterity of 15 or higher receives an additional 5% experience.

Saving Throws: Halflings possess great resolve and courage, gaining a +2 bonus to saving throws against fear.

Weapon and Armor Restrictions: Halflings may wear any kind of armor and may use shields; however, their armor and shields must be specially made for their small size. Halflings may use any small-sized weapons (such as a dagger, short sword, or short bow). Halflings may not use two-handed swords, longbows, battle axes, pole arms, or other large weapons. Halflings resolve their attacks using the same table as Fighters.

Tags: Character Classes, WhiteBox Adventures

The Gnomes, seldom seen above ground during the day, dwell mostly deep within the earth, within caverns and tunnels carved by forces both natural and unnatural. In their subterranean world, lit only by magic, fire, or the caps of giant phosphorescent mushrooms, Gnomes live in small communities most often ruled by jarl, a chief chosen from among the families of the tribe. War-like and territorial, Gnomes guard their cavern-halls against the predations of monsters, especially the cruel and cowardly kobolds. Segojan Earthcaller sang the first Gnomes into existence, shaping clay and into living creatures by the power of his voice. Segojan’s brother Baravar Cloakshadow taught the Gnomes the arts of illusion and stealth, and Gaerdal Ironhand taught them the arts of war. Gnomes are a secretive race who often have flexible notions about the importance of honesty, especially when dealing with those who are not Gnomes.

Gnome Class Abilities

Establish Cavern Hall: At tenth level, a Gnome who chooses to build and dedicate a cavern hall to his clan may attract a body of loyal followers who swear fealty to the character.

Experience Bonus for Intelligence: Intelligence is the Prime Attribute for Gnome, which means a Gnome with Intelligence of 15 or higher receives an additional 5% experience.

Infravision: Gnomes have infravision in addition to normal sight and can see 60′ in the dark. Infravision is the ability to see heat (and the lack of heat). Normal and magical light makes infravision useless.

Keen Detection: Gnomes are good at spotting unsafe cave features, slanting passages, depth underground, and direction underground. See adjacent table for the chance of success.

Saving Throws: Gnomes are preternaturally alert. They gain a +2 bonus on saving throws versus illusions and traps. Also, when surprised, a Gnome may attempt a saving throw. If successful, he isn’t surprised after all.

Shadows and Stealth: Gnomes possess natural stealth and an affinity for illusion magic. Once per day, a Gnome may use either Invisibility or Phantasmal Force, both of which duplicate the spells of the same name except that the duration is one round per level of the Gnome. Gnomes can move silently, avoid detection, and climb walls free-handed in much the same manner as a Thief. The Gnome’s chances of doing so are shown on the adjacent table.

Speak with Animals: Gnomes can speak with burrowing animals within 30 feet. This ability is similar to the spell Speak with Animals.

Weapon and Armor Restrictions: Gnomes have no restrictions on weapons, but their small stature makes heavy and two-handed weapons problematic. Thus, Gnomes may use one-handed weapons without restriction, but the Referee may adjudicate the permissibility of other weapons as necessary. Gnomes may wear only leather armor. Gnomes resolves attacks using the same table as Clerics.

Tags: Character Classes, WhiteBox Adventures