Rascal

Rascal

Starting Courage: 12+Vim · Starting Dread: 1d6

the rascal

A Rascal is a roguish scamp, the kind you might find in a band of brigands, or toiling away at the worst jobs in any dungeon. They do what they have to do in order to survive in a world ruled by the bad guys, and they've learned a few tricks of the trade along the way. Play a Rascal if you want to be a sneaky rogue who easily gets into (and out of) trouble.

rascal perks

CHOOSE A STYLE

Outsiders often lump all ne'er-do-wells together but Rascals understand the true nuance of the profession.

• Burglar: The Rascal always carries lockpicks and has Advantage when picking locks.
• Charlatan: At the start of a session, the Rascal can create an elaborate alias complete with a disguise kit that can even make them look like another Folk.
• Ruffian: Might Check: Once every session, knock an unsuspecting Goon or Bruiser unconscious.

CHOOSE A HUSTLE

It's a tough world, and all Rascals hone a particular hustle to get by.

• Fibbing: Once every session, gain Advantage on a Trickery Check.
• Gambling: Once every session, reroll a Check, but if the result is equal or lower, the bad consequences are worse than normal.
• Pickpocketing: Once every session, steal an item from an unsuspecting target. Roll on the Mundane Items table (p88) and get the nearest (0) or (1) Slot item.

rascal abilities

Level 1

DISAPPEARING ACT

The Rascal has the uncanny ability to disappear from view. Sneak Check: Once every session, hide in plain sight—even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

STICKY FINGERS

The Rascal's fingers always find what they need. Nimbleness Check: Once every session, pickpocket an NPC and invent a stolen Mundane Item.

Example Scenario

Walking through the dungeon, a hapless miner passes by, barely noting the Rascal.

PC's Solution

“I'm going to pickpocket the key to that locked door we passed earlier.”

Level 2

SLINGSHOT

The slingshot is a Rascal's best friend is always handy. Nimbleness Check: Once every session, use the slingshot to shoot something with pinpoint accuracy for utility or narrative effect.

Example Scenario

Arriving too late, the Rascal sees the executioner raising his axe above their captured friend's head as the crowd watches in horror.

PC's Solution

“I shoot the switch to a trap door beneath my friend to make them fall through just as the axe swings down!”

FREAK OUT

The Rascal knows how to push people's buttons. Intimidate Check: Once every session, out of Conflict, make an ugly face or do something gross to scare away or anger multiple Goons, a Bruiser, or a Champion.

Level 3

BARFLY

Taverns all over the land are like second homes to the Rascal. Realms Check: Once every session, invent a tavern to visit in the Land of Eem, even out in the middle of nowhere. The barkeep will answer any one question, and at least one random NPC is present.

Example Scenario

In the remote bogs of the Quagmash, the PCs become lost while seeking a local witch.

PC's Solution

“I think the Floating Barrel is around here! Maybe the barkeep knows something about the witch?”

RECRUIT

The grass is greener on the good guys' side—still no dental insurance though. Charm Check: Once every Combat, on a 6+, turn a Goon to the Rascal's side for the remainder of Combat.

Level 4

BEG

The Rascal will stoop to the lowest lows. Trickery Check: Once every session, shamelessly beg to get something. Or, once every session, make a last ditch, groveling effort to avoid Combat before it begins but at great cost.

Example Scenario

The Gnome won't budge—there's no way they'll allow the party to use their powerful artifact to aid the quest. It's too dangerous!

PC's Solution

“Pleeeeeeeeaaase?! Just this one time? It will help us so much! Please, Mr. Gnome? Pleeeeeeeeassssssse?!!”

SLIPPERY

It's always better to run than stay and die! Nimbleness Check: Once every Combat, on a 9+, redirect all Adversary attacks against the Rascal in a round to another random Nearby Adversary. Additionally, whenever the Rascal runs away or hides from Combat they heal 1d6 Courage, but suffer 1d6 Dread if they return.

Level 5

GANG

The Rascal can muster a gang of fellow ne'er-do-wells. Realms Check: Once every session, call upon a group of other rascals to help with a task. They're especially adept at heists, shakedowns and general skullduggery.

Example Scenario

The PCs need to infiltrate a gambling den, but rolling in with a Gnome and a Loyal Chum isn't going to cut it.

PC's Solution

“Listen, this is Purple Dragoon turf, and they owe me a favor. With them on our side, no one will bat an eye.”

BACKSTABBER

Never stand toe to toe with an enemy! Attack: Once every Combat, backstab an unaware Adversary: 1-2 Miss! 3-5 Hit! 6-8 Hit for Dread ×2! 9-11 Hit for Dread ×3! 12+ Hit for Dread ×3 with the maximum result!

Level 6

SHADY CONTACT

The Rascal has connections to criminals and fiends. Realms Check: Once every session, create a contact of ill or questionable repute, who can provide help or advice.

Example Scenario

The PCs run afoul of the local gang boss and need an in with a rival faction.

PC's Solution

“I know a guy who can get us a meeting. His name is Skrag Mungtooth. He's something of a fixer around here.

CON ARTIST

The Rascal's obsequious ways dupe others into letting their guard down. Trickery Check: Once every session, lead an NPC into revealing withheld or secret information during a conversation.

Example Scenario

The PCs must get to the bottom of a murder case, and the Rascal is schmoozing with the advisor of a diplomat (the number one suspect).

PC's Solution

“As we're talking, I ask about what they were doing the other night...hoping the advisor slips up and disproves the diplomat's alibi.”

Level 7

SPREAD RUMORS

Sometimes it's easier to make dirt than to dig it up. Trickery Check: Once every session, spread a rumor throughout the land that requires a lot of digging to disprove: 1-2 Rumor doesn't spread and everyone thinks the Rascal is a liar. 3-5 Rumor doesn't spread. 6-8 Rumor spreads throughout the Rascal's current Hex Cluster in 1 day. 9-11 Rumor spreads throughout the whole region in 2 days. 12+ Rumor spreads throughout the entire realm in 4 days.

Example Scenario

Kurdok the Bounty Hunter has been chasing the PCs for weeks, trying to arrest them for a crime they didn't commit!

PC's Solution

“Rumor has it, Kurdok has a pretty hefty bounty out on him, himself. Anyone looking to make some serious coin should arrest Kurdok instead!”

BRIBERY

The Rascal knows how to grease the wheels. Charm Check: Once every session, bribe an NPC without actually using Coins on hand.

Example Scenario

A pair of guards bar the PC's entry from an exclusive party hosted by a River Baron.

PC's Solution

“Hey, how's about you twos lets us in and I'll make it worth your while.”

Level 8

SCATHING INSULT

The Rascal has a knack for chewing people out. Intimidate Check: Once every Combat, target an Adversary and really let them have it: 1-2 Insult backfires and now the Adversary focuses on the Rascal. 3-5 Insult falls flat and the Adversary laughs at the Rascal. Reduce a Goon to 0 Courage, or halve a 6-8 Bruiser's Courage. Reduce a Goon to 0 Courage, halve a 9+ Bruiser's Courage, or inflict 1d12 Dread to a Champion.

BLAME GAME

If the Rascal believes it, well, it's still a lie—but it just might work. Trickery Check: Once every session, make up a story accusing someone (or something) else of a misdeed, wrongdoing or accident, even when it might be preposterous.

Example Scenario

After sneaking into a dragon's den to steal a treasure hoard, the Rascal is discovered by the angry dragon.

PC's Solution

“Hey, don't look at me! I heard a rumor that the Tricky Toe Gang was planning a heist. I'm just here to warn you of the real thieves!”

Level 9

TUMBLER

The Rascal is an incredible acrobat. Nimbleness Check: Once every session, perform a spectacular acrobatic feat beyond a normal adventurer's capabilities. Once every Combat, on a 9+, move into position to use Backstabber against a Nearby aware Adversary.

SECRET HIDEOUT

The Rascal has access to hideouts across the realms. Realms Check: Once every session, go to a secret rascal hideout for refuge. Anyone pursuing the Rascal and their allies loses their trail. The hideout is occupied by a rascal fence selling illicit goods, and three random NPCs who share rumors.

Level 10

HIGH STAKES BET

Sometimes the Rascal would rather settle things with cards than fisticuffs. Trickery Check: Once every session, persuade an NPC, or settle a Conflict with an Adversary, with a game of chance: 1-2 Lose and accept the terms. Accept the Adversary's terms but the Rascal 3-5 an add a benefit. 6-8 Reach a compromise with the Adversary. 9-11 Dictate favorable terms. 12+ Dictate heavily favorable terms.

INFAMOUS

For better or worse, the Rascal is known far and wide as a scalawag and rapscallion. Choose a Heroic Title from the list and insert the Rascal's Homeland or another area of choice.

The Rascal Knight of

• Regular folk revere the Rascal but the rich and powerful fear them. Peasants always offer shelter, food and basic supplies—even covering for the Rascal and risking their lives to help.

The Silent Shroud of

• Fellow rascals and thieves greatly respect the Rascal but law enforcement despises them. Realms Check: Once every session, pull a favor from any criminal faction. Law enforcement everywhere suspects the Rascal but understands they can't be touched without proof.

The Outlaw Brigand of

• The mere mention or sighting of the Rascal strikes fear in everyone. Each session, make all present Goon and Bruiser NPCs and creatures flee at the sight of the Rascal.