Earthdawn (Game System) - Revision history

Stonedreamer at 04:13, 22 April 2025

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	!This page is provided for player and fan reference. Readers are ~~encourage~~ to also check out the official [https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/ FASA Wiki] or purchase their own copy of the [https://shop.fasagames.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_102_128&products_id=1330 Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide].		!This page is provided for player and fan reference. Readers are encouraged to also check out the official [https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/ FASA Wiki] or purchase their own copy of the [https://shop.fasagames.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_102_128&products_id=1330 Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide].
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	The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for [[Earthdawn Fourth Edition]].		The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for [[Earthdawn Fourth Edition]].

Stonedreamer at 04:13, 22 April 2025

2025-04-22T04:13:08Z

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	!This page is provided for player and fan reference. Readers are encourage to also check out the official [https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/ FASA Wiki] or purchase their own copy of the [https://shop.fasagames.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_102_128&products_id=1330 Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide].		!This page is provided for player and fan reference. Readers are encourage to also check out the official [https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/ FASA Wiki] or purchase their own copy of the [https://shop.fasagames.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_102_128&products_id=1330 Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide].
	\|}		\|}
	The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for Earthdawn Fourth Edition.		The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for [[Earthdawn Fourth Edition]].

	== Publication History ==		== Publication History ==
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	== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==		== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==
	~~The primary source for the following mechanics are provided referencing the~~ Earthdawn ~~Fourth Edition~~ Player~~'s Guide~~.		Earthdawn is similar to many other TTRPGs, with Players through [[Player Characters]] working with a [[Game Master]] to navigate the world, encounters, combat, magic and more.

	=== Dice ===		=== Dice ===
	The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling.		The Earthdawn game system uses [[D4]], [[D6]], [[D8]], [[D10]], D12, an [[D20]] dice while rolling.

	=== The Step System ===		=== The Step System ===
	Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below<ref>[https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/en/4E ''Earthdawn Fourth Edition Game Concepts'', FASA Earthdawn Wiki, Retrieved 4/21/2025]</ref>:		Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the [[Step/Action Dice Table]] in actions called [[Tests]]. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their [[Step Number]], then selecting the appropriate [[Action Dice]]. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below<ref>[https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/en/4E ''Earthdawn Fourth Edition Game Concepts'', FASA Earthdawn Wiki, Retrieved 4/21/2025]</ref>:
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|+Step/Action Dice Table		\|+Step/Action Dice Table
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	A Step Number can be modified in several ways, including:		A Step Number can be modified in several ways, including:

	* Bonuses: Many abilities, such as Winning Smile, which adds the Skill Rank to calculated Step Number.		* Bonuses: Many abilities, such as Winning Smile, which adds the [[Skill Rank]] to calculated Step Number.
	* Penalties: Statuses such as Impaired Movement or being Knocked Down, can impact the calculated Step Number.		* Penalties: Statuses such as [[Impaired Movement]] or being Knocked Down, can impact the calculated Step Number.

	=== Tests & Rolling ===		=== Tests & Rolling ===
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	==== Karma Dice ====		==== Karma Dice ====
	Adepts can spend a Karma Point to add ~~Bonus Dice~~ to their roles, with limitations in the Discipline features. In early game, this ~~Bonus~~ is a D6, but can be modified through character progression, Horror ~~taint~~, and Game Master discretion.		Adepts can spend a [[Karma Point]] to add extra die to their roles, with limitations in the Discipline features. In early game, this bonus is generally a D6, but can be modified through character progression, [[Horror Marks\|Horror marks]], and Game Master discretion.

	==== Bonus Dice ====		==== [[Bonus Dice]] ====
	When a die is rolled with its maximum number, the player may roll the same die again, adding it to their test total.		When a die is rolled with its maximum number, the player may roll the same die again, adding it to their test total. This additional die is called a Bonus Dice.

	==== The Rule of One ====		==== [[The Rule of One]] ====
	When all dice rolled for a test produce a 1, the Action fails. This holds true even if the sum would be higher than the Difficulty.		When all dice rolled for a test produce a 1, the Action fails. This holds true even if the sum would be higher than the Difficulty.

	==== Calculating Success ====		==== Calculating Success ====
	Success on an Action occurs when the dice sum excedes the Difficulty Number provided. Every amount of 5 by which the roll result exceeds the Difficulty Number counts as ~~an Additional Success~~. Additional Successes, as always, remain at the discretion of the Game Master in how they impact the action.		Success on an Action occurs when the dice sum excedes the [[Difficulty Number]] provided. Every amount of 5 by which the roll result exceeds the Difficulty Number counts as additional success. Additional Successes, as always, remain at the discretion of the Game Master in how they impact the action.

	In older editions of Earthdawn, degrees of success have been provided, but are subject to Game Master approval<ref><u>Earthdawn Fourth Edition Players Guide</u>, FASA Games Inc, p. 34</ref>:		In older editions of Earthdawn, degrees of success have been provided, but are subject to Game Master approval<ref><u>Earthdawn Fourth Edition Players Guide</u>, FASA Games Inc, p. 34</ref>:
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	# '''Finalize:''' Review your character with your Game Master and get to killing Horrors!		# '''Finalize:''' Review your character with your Game Master and get to killing Horrors!

	=== The Combat Round ===		==== Talents & Skills ====
	Combat in Earthdawn follows general expectations in modern ~~TTRPGS~~, with players declaring actions, making rolls, and the Game Master doing the same for NPCs and the environment. There are some twists, though. Combat in the game is handled in turns called Combat Rounds, with each equal to six seconds of game time. Unlike other games, Initiative is checked every Combat Round, and can be ~~change~~.		Earthdawn is notable for having a complex system of character customization, and this is found in its [[Talents (Earthdawn)\|Talents]] and [[Skills (Earthdawn)\|Skills]]. While they may seem similar, and some have redundant presences in the Talent and Skill lists provided, they are fundementally different. Talents represent the abilities of Adepts to channel magic to accomplish super-human tasks, while Skills reflect their more mundane counterparts. Many Talents, like [[Air Dancing]] or [[Item History]] are unique to [[Air Sailors]] and magician Adepts, Skills like [[Forgery (Skill)\|Forgery]] and [[Mapmaking (Skill)\|Mapmaking]] rely on more mundane abilities.

			=== [[The Combat Round]] ===
			Combat in Earthdawn follows general expectations in modern TTRPGs, with players declaring actions, making rolls, and the Game Master doing the same for NPCs and the environment. There are some twists, though. Combat in the game is handled in turns called Combat Rounds, with each equal to six seconds of game time. Unlike other games, Initiative is checked every Combat Round, and can be changed.

	The following is the Fourth Edition rules for Earthdawn combat.<ref>[https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/en/Players-Guide/Chapter-12-Combat Chapter 12, Combat, Earthdawn Official Wiki, Retrieved 4/21/2025]</ref>		The following is the Fourth Edition rules for Earthdawn combat.<ref>[https://earthdawn.fasa.wiki/en/Players-Guide/Chapter-12-Combat Chapter 12, Combat, Earthdawn Official Wiki, Retrieved 4/21/2025]</ref>
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	==== Declare Intentions ====		==== Declare Intentions ====
	Intentions declarations are an interesting and novel component of the system, where players can select a Combat Option from the table below, which modifies actions they take or are the receiving end of<ref><u>Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide</u>, FASA Games Inc., p. 382</ref>:		Intentions declarations are an interesting and novel component of the system, where players can select a [[Combat Options (Earthdawn)\|Combat Option]] from the table below, which modifies actions they take or are the receiving end of<ref><u>Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide</u>, FASA Games Inc., p. 382</ref>:
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	Ever Combat Round:		Ever Combat Round:

	* Option #1: Initiative is rerolled based on Initiative Step, this is the Earthdawn Fourth Edition standard rule.		* Option #1: [[Initiative]] is rerolled based on [[Initiative Step]], this is the Earthdawn Fourth Edition standard rule.
	* Option #2: To expedite combat, Game Masters may choose not to make Initiative checks for NPCs, or may alternatively use their static Initiative Step.		* Option #2: To expedite combat, Game Masters may choose not to make Initiative checks for NPCs, or may alternatively use their static Initiative Step.
	* Option #3: This is a homebrew rule, which uses Initiative Step alone, with roll-offs if needed.		* Option #3: This is a homebrew rule, which uses Initiative Step alone, with roll-offs if needed.
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	Several actions are available to both players and NPCs:		Several actions are available to both players and NPCs:

	* Movement: A player or NPC can move up to their Movement Rate. As a Standard Action, they may move that distance again.		* [[Movement (Earthdawn)\|Movement]]: A player or NPC can move up to their Movement Rate. As a Standard Action, they may move that distance again.
	* Standard Actions: Players or NPCs may perform one Standard Action. NPCs have abilities that can be used as a Standard Action, as do Talents.		* [[Standard Actions (Earthdawn)\|Standard Actions]]: Players or NPCs may perform one Standard Action. NPCs have abilities that can be used as a Standard Action, as do Talents.
	* Sustained Actions: Many actions require more than one round to accomplish many Talents and magical abilities require sustaining, and will be noted as "Action:Sustained."		* [[Sustained Actions (Earthdawn)\|Sustained Actions]]: Many actions require more than one round to accomplish many Talents and magical abilities require sustaining, and will be noted as "Action:Sustained."
	* Free Actions: Free actions are simple tasks that do not involve Talents, Skills, or Movement, such as speaking a short sentence, or drawing/sheathing a weapon.		* [[Free Actions (Earthdawn)\|Free Actions]]: Free actions are simple tasks that do not involve Talents, Skills, or Movement, such as speaking a short sentence, or drawing/sheathing a weapon.
	* Reserved Actions: Players and NPCs can define an action they want to take when a specific situation occurs, but when the action is triggered, all Difficulties during their turn are +2.		* Reserved Actions: Players and NPCs can define an action they want to take when a specific situation occurs, but when the action is triggered, all Difficulties during their turn are +2.
	* Delayed Actions: Players or NPCs can delay their action until any time later then their current Initiative. If the player or NPC decides to act in the same round, they can do so, but cannot interrupt another action. If the Delayed player or NPC does not act in the current turn, their Initiative in the following turn is 1 higher.		* Delayed Actions: Players or NPCs can delay their action until any time later then their current Initiative. If the player or NPC decides to act in the same round, they can do so, but cannot interrupt another action. If the Delayed player or NPC does not act in the current turn, their Initiative in the following turn is 1 higher.

Stonedreamer: /* Combat & Magic */

2025-04-22T03:42:11Z

Combat & Magic

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Stonedreamer at 20:44, 21 April 2025

2025-04-21T20:44:41Z

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Stonedreamer at 19:48, 21 April 2025

2025-04-21T19:48:01Z

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	=== The Step System ===		=== The Step System ===
	Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below:		Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below:
	{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"		{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
	\|+Step/Action Dice Table		\|+Step/Action Dice Table
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Stonedreamer at 19:47, 21 April 2025

2025-04-21T19:47:06Z

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	Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below:		Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below:
	{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"		{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
	\|+		\|+Step/Action Dice Table
	~~! colspan="4" \|~~Step/Action Dice Table
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	!Step Number		!Step Number

Stonedreamer: /* Dice & The Step System */

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Dice & The Step System

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 == Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==
-=== Core Mechanics ===
+==== Dice ====
-The primary source for the following mechanics are provided referencing the Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide.
+The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling.
-==== Dice & The Step System ====
+=== The Step System ===
-Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling, the type of dice are selected using the Step/Action Table below once the appropriate Step number has been identified.
+Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. Key to the Step/Action Die Table comes from a player identifying their Step Number, then selecting the appropriate Action Dice. The Fourth Edition Step/Action Table is provided below:
-Tests
+=== Tests ===
-Character Creation
+=== Character Creation ===
-Combat & Magic
+=== Combat & Magic ===
-Progression
+=== Progression ===
 === The Step System & Action Economics ===

Stonedreamer at 18:35, 21 April 2025

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	* Earthdawn (Game System) - Third Edition		* Earthdawn (Game System) - Third Edition
	* Earthdawn (Game System) - Age of Legend Edition		* Earthdawn (Game System) - Age of Legend Edition
	* Earthdawn (Game System) - Fourth Edition		* [[Earthdawn Players Guide (Fourth Edition)\|Earthdawn (Game System) - Fourth Edition]]

	== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==		== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==

Stonedreamer at 18:29, 21 April 2025

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	* Earthdawn (Game System) - Third Edition		* Earthdawn (Game System) - Third Edition
	* Earthdawn (Game System) - Age of Legend Edition		* Earthdawn (Game System) - Age of Legend Edition
			* Earthdawn (Game System) - Fourth Edition

	== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==		== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==

Stonedreamer at 16:22, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T16:22:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 20 April 2025
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	The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for Earthdawn Fourth Edition.		The Earthdawn game contains a relatively unique game system which has been updated over the various editions. This page documents the current working game system for Earthdawn Fourth Edition.
	== The Step System ~~& Action Economics~~ ==
	Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling, the type of dice are selected using the Step/Action Table below once the appropriate Step number has been identified.		== Publication History ==
			The Earthdawn (Game System) has seen multiple publications, updates, and retcons. For legacy versions of this system, please see the following:

			* Earthdawn (Game System) - First Edition
			* Earthdawn (Game System) - Second Edition
			* Earthdawn (Game System) - Third Edition
			* Earthdawn (Game System) - Age of Legend Edition

			== Game Mechanics (Fourth Edition) ==

			=== Core Mechanics ===
			The primary source for the following mechanics are provided referencing the Earthdawn Fourth Edition Player's Guide.

			==== Dice & The Step System ====
			Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling, the type of dice are selected using the Step/Action Table below once the appropriate Step number has been identified.

	~~=== Step/Action Dice Table ===~~		Tests

	~~== The Earthdawn Action System ==~~		Character Creation

	~~== Adepts~~ & ~~Disciplines ==~~		Combat & Magic

	~~== Talents & Skills ==~~		Progression

	== ~~Magic~~ in Earthdawn ==		=== The Step System & Action Economics ===
			Dice rolls in Earthdawn are made against a standard table, called the Step/Action Dice Table in actions called Tests. The Earthdawn game system uses D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, an D20 dice while rolling, the type of dice are selected using the Step/Action Table below once the appropriate Step number has been identified.

	== ~~Legend Progression System~~ ==		==== Step/Action Dice Table ====

	== References ==		== References ==