Rough Magic 4e EN:Gifts: Difference between revisions

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Gifts are exceptional abilities that a normal person ''can'' have, but that most people ''do not'' have. The details of each gift are highly dependent on a character's background, so the player should work with the GM to flesh out these details. Each gift costs one character point. We suggest spending no more than 5 character points total on gifts and [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Supernaturals|supernatural traits]].
Gifts are exceptional abilities that a normal person ''can'' have, but that most people ''do not'' have. The details of each gift are highly dependent on a character's background, so the player should work with the GM to flesh out these details. Gifts which impact the setting directly, such as Headquarters and Wealthy, should receive more than the usual amount of GM consultation.
 
The character's first gift costs 1 character point. Buying an additional gift costs a number of character points equal to the current number of gifts, plus one. For example, buying a fourth gift costs 4 points.
 
 
{| cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1" class="wikitable zebra"
|+Table: Gift cost
|-
! class="aligncenter"|Quantity
! class="aligncenter"|Cost
|-
| class="aligncenter"|1
| class="aligncenter"|1
|-
| class="aligncenter"|2
| class="aligncenter"|3
|-
| class="aligncenter"|3
| class="aligncenter"|6
|-
| class="aligncenter"|4
| class="aligncenter"|10
|-
| class="aligncenter"|5
| class="aligncenter"|15
|-
| class="aligncenter"|6
| class="aligncenter"|21
|-
| class="aligncenter"|7
| class="aligncenter"|28
|-
| class="aligncenter"|8
| class="aligncenter"|36
|-
| class="aligncenter"|9
| class="aligncenter"|45
|-
| class="aligncenter"|10
| class="aligncenter"|55
|}
 


==Typical Gifts==
==Typical Gifts==


This is a list of typical gifts found in a ''Rough Magic'' game. This list is not exhaustive. A character may well have a gift not listed here, subject to GM approval. However, any new gifts should be approximately as useful as these gifts, in order to maintain a sense of fairness with other characters.
This is a list of typical gifts found in a ''Rough Magic'' game. This list is not exhaustive. A character may well have an gift not listed here, subject to GM approval. However, any new gifts should be approximately as useful as these gifts, in order to maintain a sense of fairness with other characters.




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| class="alignleft"|Animal Empathy
| class="alignleft"|Animal Empathy
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on animals.
| class="alignleft"|The character can use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on animals.
|-
|-  
| class="alignleft"|Arcane Caster
| class="alignleft"|Arcane Caster
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|The character can cast spells of an arcane nature.
| class="alignleft"|The character can cast spells of an arcane nature
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Attentive
| class="alignleft"|Attentive
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|The character can ignore distractions.
| class="alignleft"|The character is unaffected by distractions.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Bag Of Tricks
| class="alignleft"|Bag Of Tricks
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Dependable access to small, ordinary items.
| class="alignleft"|The character carries a bag, belt, or backpack with a number of small, ordinary items.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Blindfighting
| class="alignleft"|Blindfighting
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|The character does not incur a penalty when unable to see or hear.
| class="alignleft"|The character does not incur a penalty when unable to see or hear their opponent.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Blood Rage
| class="alignleft"|Blood Rage
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to enter a trance-like state of bestial fury.
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, the character can enter a trance-like state of bestial fury.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Bowler
| class="alignleft"|Bowler
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|May use Brawn for Ranged Combat attack rolls.
| class="alignleft"|The character may base their Ranged Combat attack rolls on Brawn rather than on Agility.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Connected
| class="alignleft"|Connected
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Get a favour from an old friend -- or an old enemy.
| class="alignleft"|The character can make a Diplomacy roll to get a favour from an old friend -- or an old enemy.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Disarming Expert
| class="alignleft"|Disarming Expert
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to make a disarming attack without penalty.
| class="alignleft"|The character can make a disarming attack without the usual -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Elusive
| class="alignleft"|Elusive
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|May base defense on Agility rather than Brawn in hand-to-hand combat.
| class="alignleft"|The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat defense on Agility rather than on Brawn.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Escape Artist
| class="alignleft"|Escape Artist
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower for a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus against a grapple or a lasting power.
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus against a grapple or a lasting power.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Famous
| class="alignleft"|Famous
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Get attention, and perhaps favors, from strangers.
| class="alignleft"|The character may get attention, and perhaps favors, from strangers.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Fascinating
| class="alignleft"|Fascinating
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Get attention, and perhaps favors, from admirers.
| class="alignleft"|The character may get attention, and perhaps favors, from admirers.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Hard Target
| class="alignleft"|Hard Target
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|May base defense on Brawn rather than Agility in ranged combat.
| class="alignleft"|The character may base their Ranged Combat defense on Brawn rather than on Agility.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Headquarters
| class="alignleft"|Headquarters
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|The character has one or more bases of operation.
| class="alignleft"|The character has one or more bases of operation.
|-
| class="alignleft"|Indefatigable
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to act at zero Endurance without a penalty.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Leadership
| class="alignleft"|Leadership
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to grant a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to an ally.
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, the character can grant a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus to an ally.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Lightning Strike
| class="alignleft"|Lightning Strike
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|May use Agility for Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls.
| class="alignleft"|The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls on Agility rather than on Brawn.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Linguist
| class="alignleft"|Linguist
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Learn new languages with minimal effort.
| class="alignleft"|The character can learn new languages with minimal effort.
|-
| class="alignleft"|Luck
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, spend a point of Willpower to get a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on a roll.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Master Plan
| class="alignleft"|Master Plan
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Gain a tactical benefit if there is time to prepare for an encounter.
| class="alignleft"|The character's allies can gain a tactical benefit if there is time to prepare for an encounter.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Mental Calculator
| class="alignleft"|Mental Calculator
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Solve complex mathematical operations by thinking about them.
| class="alignleft"|The character can solve complex mathematical operations by thinking about them.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Minions
| class="alignleft"|Minions
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| class="alignleft"|Perfect Recall
| class="alignleft"|Perfect Recall
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to remember something perfectly.
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, the character may perfectly remember any event, document, recording, etc.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Pro From Dover
| class="alignleft"|Pro From Dover
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|The absolute best in their field, whatever that is.
| class="alignleft"|The character is the absolute best in their field, whatever that is.
|-
| class="alignleft"|Quick Change
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|The character can clothes (or change into an Alternate Form) with a quick action.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Ranged Disarm
| class="alignleft"|Ranged Disarm
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to make a ranged disarming attack.
| class="alignleft"|The character can make a disarm attack at range.
|-
| class="alignleft"|Sacred Caster
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|The character can cast spells of a sacred nature
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Scrounger
| class="alignleft"|Scrounger
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| class="alignleft"|Sharpshooter
| class="alignleft"|Sharpshooter
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to ignore a defender's bonus from being prone or having cover.
| class="alignleft"|The character can ignore a defender's skill bonus from being prone or having cover.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Team Player
| class="alignleft"|Sidekick
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus when combining effort.
| class="alignleft"|If the character is within short range of their mentor, their Agility, Brawn, and Power Level are no less than their mentor's.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Tenacious
| class="alignleft"|Team Player
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Recover {{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} Endurance for each point of Willpower spent.
| class="alignleft"|Once per scene, the character can gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus when working as part of a team.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Underwater Combat
| class="alignleft"|Underwater Combat
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| class="alignleft"|Unsettling
| class="alignleft"|Unsettling
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Make people nervous for no real reason.
| class="alignleft"|The character may make people nervous for no real reason.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Vehicles
| class="alignleft"|Vehicles
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Sundry modes of fast and stylish transportation.
| class="alignleft"|The character has sundry modes of fast and stylish transportation.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Wealthy
| class="alignleft"|Wealthy
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Skills
| class="alignleft"|Solve problems with money.
| class="alignleft"|If a problem can be solved by throwing money at it, the character can probably solve that problem.
|-
|-
| class="alignleft"|Whirlwind Attack
| class="alignleft"|Whirlwind Attack
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Combat
| class="alignleft"|Spend a point of Willpower to make a sweep attack without penalty.
| class="alignleft"|The character can make a sweep attack without the usual -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty.
|}
|}


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===Animal Empathy===
===Animal Empathy===


The character has a bond with animals, and can use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on them. Normal animals are more likely to be calm around the character, although a dangerous, hostile animal might require a successful Diplomacy or Manipulation roll to keep the animal from attacking. A character's Animal Empathy might be limited to a specific type of animal, such as cats or sea creatures. If this is the case, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on Diplomacy and Manipulation rolls when interacting with that animal type.
The character has a bond with animals, and can use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on them. Normal animals are more likely to be calm around the character, although a dangerous, hostile animal might require a successful Diplomacy or Manipulation roll to keep the animal from attacking. A character's Animal Empathy might be limited to a specific type of animal, such as cats or sea creatures. If this is the case, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus on Diplomacy and Manipulation rolls when interacting with that animal type.


A character with Animal Empathy may spend a point of Willpower to befriend a normal animal which is not hostile to the character. The animal will always remember the character and treat them as a friend.
Once per scene, A character with Animal Empathy can befriend a normal animal which is not hostile to the character. The animal will always remember the character and treat them as a friend.


===Arcane Caster===
===Arcane Caster===
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===Attentive===
===Attentive===


Normally, a distracted character suffers a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on their next attack roll or their next defense, whichever comes first. A character with Attentive is unaffected by such distractions, and does not incur a penalty. Additionally, a character with Attentive may choose to spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on their next attack against the character who attempted to distract them.
Normally, a distracted character suffers a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on their next skill roll or their next defense, whichever comes first. A character with Attentive is unaffected by such distractions, and does not incur a penalty.


===Bag Of Tricks===
===Bag Of Tricks===


The character carries a bag, belt, or backpack with a number of small, ordinary items. The character can use a quick action to pull any needed item from their bag, as long as the item is small enough to fit in the palm of their hand and can be purchased from an ordinary retail shop. The power level (PL) of such items is usually 1.
The character carries a bag, belt, or backpack with a number of small, ordinary items. The character can use a quick action to pull any needed item from their bag, as long as the item is small enough to fit in the palm of their hand and can be purchased from an ordinary retail shop.
 
A character with Bag Of Tricks may spend a point of Willpower to produce an uncommon or somewhat valuable item, or an ordinary item larger than the palm of their hand.


===Blindfighting===
===Blindfighting===


Normally, a character who can't perceive their opponent has [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Actions#Blinding|great difficulty]] in combat. If a character has the Blindfighting gift, they do not incur any of these penalties. Additionally, a character with Blindfighting may choose to spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on their [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Actions#Initiating_Conflict|roll for initiative]].
Normally, a character who can't perceive their opponent has [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Actions#Blinding|great difficulty]] in combat. If a character has the Blindfighting gift, they do not incur any of these penalties.


===Blood Rage===
===Blood Rage===


The character may enter a trance-like state of bestial fury. While in a blood rage, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on all Hand-to-hand Combat rolls, but they incur a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on all other rolls, as well as on their hand-to-hand and ranged defense. Additionally, a character in a blood rage gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus on their Mental Combat defense. Entering blood rage costs 1 point of Willpower, as does leaving the blood rage. If the character has the "passion" motivation, entering a blood rage is free, but leaving the blood rage costs 2 Willpower.
Once per scene, the character can enter a trance-like state of bestial fury. While in a blood rage, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus on all Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls, but they incur a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty on all other rolls, as well as on their hand-to-hand and ranged defense. Additionally, a character in a blood rage gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus to their Mental Combat defense.


===Bowler===
===Bowler===


A character with Bowler can heave projectiles with deadly accuracy. When making a Ranged Combat attack roll, the character may substitute their Brawn for their Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.
A character with the Bowler gift can heave projectiles with deadly accuracy. The character may base their Ranged Combat attack rolls on Brawn rather than on Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.


===Connected===
===Connected===
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===Disarming Expert===
===Disarming Expert===


Normally, when making a disarming attack, the character incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty. A character with Disarming Expert may spend a point of Willpower to make a disarming attack without incurring a penalty.
Normally, when making a disarming attack, the character incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty. A character with Disarming Expert can make a disarming attack without incurring a penalty.


===Elusive===
===Elusive===


A character with the Elusive gift is fast on their feet and good at rolling with the punches. When in hand-to-hand combat, the character may base their defense on their Agility instead of on their Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.
A character with the Elusive gift is fast on their feet and good at rolling with the punches. The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat defense on Agility rather than on Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.


===Escape Artist===
===Escape Artist===


A character with the Escape Artist gift is a slippery target. The character may spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus against a grapple or a lasting power.
A character with the Escape Artist gift is a slippery target. Once per scene, the character gains a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus against a grapple or a lasting power. The player may decide to gain the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.


===Famous===
===Famous===


The character's name and likeness are widely known, perhaps due to their exploits, or possibly because they are from a notorious family. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because paparazzi are often nearby. People who are impressed by celebrity may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from strangers. The character may spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to an appropriate Presence roll.
The character's name and likeness are widely known, perhaps due to their exploits, or possibly because they are from a notorious family. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because paparazzi are often nearby. People who are impressed by celebrity may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from strangers.


===Fascinating===
===Fascinating===


A character with the Fascinating gift is naturally, effortlessly compelling. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because they will be the focus of attention in nearly any circumstances. People who are swayed by their instinctive responses may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from admirers. The character may spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to an appropriate Presence roll.
A character is naturally, effortlessly compelling. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because they will be the focus of attention in nearly any circumstances. People who are swayed by their instinctive responses may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from admirers.


===Hard Target===
===Hard Target===


When in ranged combat, the character may base their defense on their Brawn instead of on their Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.
A character with the Hard Target gift can take the hit and keep coming. The character may base their Ranged Combat defense on Brawn rather than on Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.


===Headquarters===
===Headquarters===
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The character has one or more bases of operation, equipped with supplies, workshops, and equipment reasonable for the character's background and skills. If the character is a member of a team, the base(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A headquarters is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavor and a setting for roleplaying.
The character has one or more bases of operation, equipped with supplies, workshops, and equipment reasonable for the character's background and skills. If the character is a member of a team, the base(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A headquarters is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavor and a setting for roleplaying.


Additionally, the character may choose to spend a point of Willpower to remember a "safe house" or a cache of supplies nearby, wherever they happen to be.
Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Survival (Reason) roll to remember a "safe house" or a cache of supplies nearby, wherever they happen to be.
 
===Indefatigable===
 
Normally, a character whose current Endurance has been reduced to 0 can speak and interact, but any action incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty and requires the expenditure of 1 Willpower. A character with Indefatigable may spend an extra point of Willpower to take an action without a penalty.


===Leadership===
===Leadership===


A character with the Leadership gift excels at bringing out the best in others, and other people are more effective with the character than they are alone. The player of a character with Leadership can spend one point of Willpower to grants a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to one of their teammates and allies. The player may decide to spend the Willpower before or after the dice are rolled.
A character with the Leadership gift excels at bringing out the best in others, and other people are more effective with the character than they are alone. Once per scene, the character can grant a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus to one of their allies. The player may decide to grant the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.


===Lightning Strike===
===Lightning Strike===


A character with Lightning Strike can deal devastating blows using speed and finesse rather than brute force. When making a Hand-to-hand Combat attack roll, the character may substitute their Agility for their Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.
A character with the Lightning Strike gift can deal devastating blows using speed and finesse. The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls on Agility rather than on Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.


===Linguist===
===Linguist===


A character with the Linguist gift is fluent in dozens of languages, and is capable of quickly deciphering new languages when they encounter them.
A character with the Linguist gift is fluent in dozens of languages, and is capable of quickly deciphering new languages when they encounter them.
===Luck===
The gods of chance seem to smile on the character, or perhaps they are just incredibly well-prepared. Once per scene, a character with Luck can spend one point of Willpower to receive a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus. The player may decide to spend the Willpower before or after the dice are rolled.


===Master Plan===
===Master Plan===


Once per scene, a character with Master Plan is able to gain a tactical benefit at a time and place they choose. The form this takes can vary, and should be negotiated between the player and the GM, but a relatively typical use of a Master Plan would be to grant the character and each of their allies a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to be used at a time of their choice during the conflict.
Once per scene, a character with Master Plan is able to gain a tactical benefit at a time and place they choose. The form this takes can vary, and should be negotiated between the player and the GM, but a relatively typical use of a Master Plan would be to grant the character or one of their allies a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus to be used at a time of their choice during the conflict.


===Mental Calculator===
===Mental Calculator===
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===Minions===
===Minions===


The character has one or more minor, mostly nameless lackeys of marginal usefulness. Such minions might be mooks, agents, armed guards, administrative staff, or technicians to keep the character's equipment in proper working order. There is no set limit to the number of minions a character might have, subject to the GM's approval, but the more minions there are, the less competent they are. For example, if a character has just three minions -- an administrative assistant, a chauffeur/auto mechanic, and a skilled professional -- they might be reasonably competent at their respective assignments ({{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} in their most relevant attributes, with relevant skills). If the character has dozens of minions, however, the best among them would have 2 in their relevant attributes, and none of them would have any skills requiring advanced education or technical aptitude.
The character has one or more minor, mostly nameless lackeys of marginal usefulness. Such minions might be mooks, agents, armed guards, administrative staff, or technicians to keep the character's equipment in proper working order. There is no set limit to the number of minions a character might have, subject to the GM's approval, but the more minions there are, the less competent they are. For example, if a character has just three minions -- an administrative assistant, a chauffeur/auto mechanic, and a skilled professional -- they might be reasonably competent at their respective assignments ({{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} in their most relevant attributes, with 1 in relevant skills). If the character has dozens of minions, however, the best among them would have 2 in their relevant attributes, and none of them would have any skills requiring advanced education or technical aptitude.


Minions are primarily a fun asset for the character. They are not generally useful in combat, and are mainly used for flavor and as a foil for roleplaying. Minions should never steal the limelight from a player character.
Minions are primarily a fun asset for the character. They are not generally useful in combat, and are mainly used for flavor and as a foil for roleplaying. Minions should never steal the limelight from a player character.
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===Perfect Recall===
===Perfect Recall===


The character may spend a point of Willpower to perfectly remember any event, document, recording, etc., which the character has clearly seen or heard, even if they were not paying particular attention to it at the time.
Once per scene, the character may perfectly remember any event, document, recording, etc., which the character has clearly seen or heard, even if they were not paying particular attention to it at the time.


===Pro From Dover===
===Pro From Dover===


A character with the Pro From Dover gift may choose a specific, narrowly-defined professional, scholarly, or technical field in which they are an undisputed expert. When answering a question or performing research related to their specialty, they gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus.
A character with the Pro From Dover gift can choose a specific, narrowly-defined professional, scholarly, or technical field in which they are an undisputed expert. When answering a question or performing research related to their specialty, they gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus.


A character may only be the Pro From Dover in a single narrowly defined noncombat specialty, and each player character with the Pro From Dover gift should choose a different specialty.
A character may only be the Pro From Dover in a single narrowly defined noncombat specialty, and each player character with the Pro From Dover gift should choose a different specialty.
===Quick Change===
The Quick Change gift is usually possessed only by superheroes and stage magicians. Quick Change enables a character to change their entire outfit with a quick action. This could be made possible by super-speed, a costume stored in a ring, or just wearing a different outfit underneath street clothes. Additionally, a character with Quick Change and the Alternate Form power can change forms once per round with a quick action.


===Ranged Disarm===
===Ranged Disarm===


A character with Ranged Disarm may spend a point of Willpower to make a disarm attack at range. A ranged disarm attack requires a successful Ranged Combat (Agility) roll against 8 + Ranged Combat (Agility) of the target. As with hand-to-hand disarming attacks, the attacker suffers a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on the roll, and powers and equipment do not apply to this roll.
A character with Ranged Disarm can make a disarm attack at range. A ranged disarm attack requires a successful Ranged Combat (Agility) roll against 8 + Ranged Combat (Agility) of the target. As with hand-to-hand disarming attacks, the attacker suffers a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty on the roll.
 
===Sacred Caster===
 
The character can cast spells of a sacred nature. See the [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Magic|Magic]] chapter for more details.


===Scrounger===
===Scrounger===
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The character has a second, completely legitimate identity. The character's second identity is completely documented and will withstand even the most focused scrutiny. Alternately, at the player's choice, the character has no documented identity at all: any and all records of their existence have been erased.
The character has a second, completely legitimate identity. The character's second identity is completely documented and will withstand even the most focused scrutiny. Alternately, at the player's choice, the character has no documented identity at all: any and all records of their existence have been erased.


Additionally, the character may choose to spend a point of Willpower to produce proof of a new but ordinary identity, appropriate to wherever they happen to be.
Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Finesse (Reason) roll to produce proof of a new but ordinary identity, appropriate to wherever they happen to be.


===Sharpshooter===
===Sharpshooter===


A character with the Sharpshooter gift adept at bypassing cover in ranged combat. When a defender is prone or has cover, they gain a bonus on their defense. A character with the Sharpshooter gift may spend a point of Willpower to ignore a defender's bonus from being prone or having cover.
A character with the Sharpshooter gift adept at bypassing cover in ranged combat. When a defender is prone or has cover, they normally gain a bonus to their defense. A character with the Sharpshooter gift ignores a defender's bonus from being prone or having cover.
 
===Sidekick===
 
The character fights more effectively when they fight alongside their mentor. If the sidekick is within short range (10 m) of their mentor, their Agility, Brawn, and Power Level are equal to their normal values, or their mentor's values, whichever is greater. The character's mentor must be chosen when this gift is purchased, and should change very rarely, if ever.


===Team Player===
===Team Player===


A character with the Team Player gift excels at working with others, and is more effective with others than they are alone. A character with the Team Player gift may spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus when [[Rough_Magic_4e_EN:Actions#Combining_Effort|combining their effort]] with others. The player may decide to spend the Willpower before or after the dice are rolled.
A character with the Team Player gift excels at working with others, and is more effective with others than they are alone. Once per scene, a character with the Team Player gift can gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill bonus when working as part of a team. The player may decide to gain the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.


===Underwater Combat===
===Underwater Combat===


Normally, engaging in combat underwater imposes a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} attack penalty. A character with the Underwater Combat gift does not incur a penalty for fighting underwater.
Normally, engaging in combat underwater imposes a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty. A character with the Underwater Combat gift does not incur a penalty for fighting underwater.


===Unsettling===
===Unsettling===


The character is able to put off a disturbing vibe that makes people nervous for no discernible reason. Strangers will find themselves disliking the character without knowing why, and normal animals will avoid the character unless forced to approach by a trainer or some other circumstance. The character may spend a point of Willpower to gain a +{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} bonus to an appropriate Presence roll.
The character is able to put off a disturbing vibe that makes people nervous for no discernible reason. Strangers will find themselves disliking the character without knowing why, and normal animals will avoid the character unless forced to approach by a trainer or some other circumstance.


===Vehicles===
===Vehicles===
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The character has one or more vehicles which provide fast and stylish transportation. If the character is a member of a team, the vehicle(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A vehicle is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavour and to make it easier for the character to get around.
The character has one or more vehicles which provide fast and stylish transportation. If the character is a member of a team, the vehicle(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A vehicle is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavour and to make it easier for the character to get around.


Additionally, the character may choose to spend a point of Willpower to remember a vehicle they have stored nearby, wherever they happen to be.
Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Survival (Reason) roll to remember a vehicle they have stored nearby, wherever they happen to be.


===Wealthy===
===Wealthy===


If a problem can be solved by throwing money at it, a character with the Wealth gift can probably solve that problem. Food, clothing, and shelter cease to be concerns for a character with Wealth, but they are still plagued by the same interpersonal issues that are behind the serious problems most people face. In addition, sometimes wealth itself can be a source of problems. The character may have responsibilities related to their source of income, or they might need to fend off attempts to deprive them of their fortune.
If a problem can be solved by throwing money at it, a character with the Wealth gift can probably solve that problem. Food, clothing, and shelter cease to be concerns for a character with Wealth, but they are still plagued by the same interpersonal issues that are behind the serious problems most people face.


===Whirlwind Attack===
===Whirlwind Attack===


Normally, when making a sweep attack (attacking everyone within reach of the character simultaneously), the character incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on each roll. A character with Whirlwind Attack may spend a point of Willpower to make a sweep attack without incurring a penalty.
Normally, when making a sweep attack (attacking everyone within reach of the character simultaneously), the character incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} skill penalty on each roll. A character with Whirlwind Attack can make a sweep attack without incurring a penalty.
 
==Custom Gifts==
 
You aren't limited to these gifts, of course. Feel free to make up your own. They should be approximately as useful and powerful as the ones listed here. A good rule of thumb is that a gift allows a character to ignore a penalty in a specific circumstance or with a particular kind of attack. If the circumstance is relatively commonplace, the gift may require spending a point of Willpower. If the gift is particularly powerful, its use may be limited to once per scene, or once per day if the gift allows the recovery of Endurance or Willpower. Here is an example of a custom gift.
 
===Unstoppable===
 
Normally, a character who is moving incurs a -{{KM4_SKILL_BONUS}} penalty on their defense against a slamming attack. A character with Unstoppable does not incur this penalty.





Latest revision as of 21:47, 9 December 2022

Arrow up 16x16.png Contents

Gifts are exceptional abilities that a normal person can have, but that most people do not have. The details of each gift are highly dependent on a character's background, so the player should work with the GM to flesh out these details. Gifts which impact the setting directly, such as Headquarters and Wealthy, should receive more than the usual amount of GM consultation.

The character's first gift costs 1 character point. Buying an additional gift costs a number of character points equal to the current number of gifts, plus one. For example, buying a fourth gift costs 4 points.


Table: Gift cost
Quantity Cost
1 1
2 3
3 6
4 10
5 15
6 21
7 28
8 36
9 45
10 55


Typical Gifts

This is a list of typical gifts found in a Rough Magic game. This list is not exhaustive. A character may well have an gift not listed here, subject to GM approval. However, any new gifts should be approximately as useful as these gifts, in order to maintain a sense of fairness with other characters.


Table: Typical gifts
Gift Type Benefit
Animal Empathy Skills The character can use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on animals.
Arcane Caster Skills The character can cast spells of an arcane nature
Attentive Combat The character is unaffected by distractions.
Bag Of Tricks Skills The character carries a bag, belt, or backpack with a number of small, ordinary items.
Blindfighting Combat The character does not incur a penalty when unable to see or hear their opponent.
Blood Rage Combat Once per scene, the character can enter a trance-like state of bestial fury.
Bowler Combat The character may base their Ranged Combat attack rolls on Brawn rather than on Agility.
Connected Skills The character can make a Diplomacy roll to get a favour from an old friend -- or an old enemy.
Disarming Expert Combat The character can make a disarming attack without the usual -3 skill penalty.
Elusive Combat The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat defense on Agility rather than on Brawn.
Escape Artist Combat Once per scene, the character gains a +3 skill bonus against a grapple or a lasting power.
Famous Skills The character may get attention, and perhaps favors, from strangers.
Fascinating Skills The character may get attention, and perhaps favors, from admirers.
Hard Target Combat The character may base their Ranged Combat defense on Brawn rather than on Agility.
Headquarters Skills The character has one or more bases of operation.
Leadership Combat Once per scene, the character can grant a +3 skill bonus to an ally.
Lightning Strike Combat The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls on Agility rather than on Brawn.
Linguist Skills The character can learn new languages with minimal effort.
Master Plan Combat The character's allies can gain a tactical benefit if there is time to prepare for an encounter.
Mental Calculator Skills The character can solve complex mathematical operations by thinking about them.
Minions Skills Minor, mostly nameless lackeys of marginal usefulness.
Perfect Recall Skills Once per scene, the character may perfectly remember any event, document, recording, etc.
Pro From Dover Skills The character is the absolute best in their field, whatever that is.
Quick Change Skills The character can clothes (or change into an Alternate Form) with a quick action.
Ranged Disarm Combat The character can make a disarm attack at range.
Sacred Caster Skills The character can cast spells of a sacred nature
Scrounger Skills The character can survive on what they find.
Second Identity Skills The character has a second, completely legitimate identity.
Sharpshooter Combat The character can ignore a defender's skill bonus from being prone or having cover.
Sidekick Combat If the character is within short range of their mentor, their Agility, Brawn, and Power Level are no less than their mentor's.
Team Player Combat Once per scene, the character can gain a +3 skill bonus when working as part of a team.
Underwater Combat Combat The character does not incur a penalty when fighting underwater.
Unsettling Skills The character may make people nervous for no real reason.
Vehicles Skills The character has sundry modes of fast and stylish transportation.
Wealthy Skills If a problem can be solved by throwing money at it, the character can probably solve that problem.
Whirlwind Attack Combat The character can make a sweep attack without the usual -3 skill penalty.


Animal Empathy

The character has a bond with animals, and can use Diplomacy and Manipulation skills on them. Normal animals are more likely to be calm around the character, although a dangerous, hostile animal might require a successful Diplomacy or Manipulation roll to keep the animal from attacking. A character's Animal Empathy might be limited to a specific type of animal, such as cats or sea creatures. If this is the case, the character gains a +3 skill bonus on Diplomacy and Manipulation rolls when interacting with that animal type.

Once per scene, A character with Animal Empathy can befriend a normal animal which is not hostile to the character. The animal will always remember the character and treat them as a friend.

Arcane Caster

The character can cast spells of an arcane nature. See the Magic chapter for more details.

Attentive

Normally, a distracted character suffers a -3 penalty on their next skill roll or their next defense, whichever comes first. A character with Attentive is unaffected by such distractions, and does not incur a penalty.

Bag Of Tricks

The character carries a bag, belt, or backpack with a number of small, ordinary items. The character can use a quick action to pull any needed item from their bag, as long as the item is small enough to fit in the palm of their hand and can be purchased from an ordinary retail shop.

Blindfighting

Normally, a character who can't perceive their opponent has great difficulty in combat. If a character has the Blindfighting gift, they do not incur any of these penalties.

Blood Rage

Once per scene, the character can enter a trance-like state of bestial fury. While in a blood rage, the character gains a +3 skill bonus on all Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls, but they incur a -3 skill penalty on all other rolls, as well as on their hand-to-hand and ranged defense. Additionally, a character in a blood rage gains a +3 skill bonus to their Mental Combat defense.

Bowler

A character with the Bowler gift can heave projectiles with deadly accuracy. The character may base their Ranged Combat attack rolls on Brawn rather than on Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.

Connected

"I know a guy." The character has a wide ranging network of friends, rivals, and former associates. From time to time, the character can contact one of these people, and have a reasonable chance of getting a favour from them. When the character wants to get a favour from someone, the player names the NPC and briefly describes how their character knows this contact. When the character meets their contact, they must attempt a moderately difficult (DV 12) Diplomacy (Presence) roll to see how their contact receives them.

Disarming Expert

Normally, when making a disarming attack, the character incurs a -3 skill penalty. A character with Disarming Expert can make a disarming attack without incurring a penalty.

Elusive

A character with the Elusive gift is fast on their feet and good at rolling with the punches. The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat defense on Agility rather than on Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.

Escape Artist

A character with the Escape Artist gift is a slippery target. Once per scene, the character gains a +3 skill bonus against a grapple or a lasting power. The player may decide to gain the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.

Famous

The character's name and likeness are widely known, perhaps due to their exploits, or possibly because they are from a notorious family. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because paparazzi are often nearby. People who are impressed by celebrity may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from strangers.

Fascinating

A character is naturally, effortlessly compelling. It is difficult for the character to pass unnoticed, because they will be the focus of attention in nearly any circumstances. People who are swayed by their instinctive responses may be more likely to cooperate with the character, and the character can sometimes gain favours from admirers.

Hard Target

A character with the Hard Target gift can take the hit and keep coming. The character may base their Ranged Combat defense on Brawn rather than on Agility. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.

Headquarters

The character has one or more bases of operation, equipped with supplies, workshops, and equipment reasonable for the character's background and skills. If the character is a member of a team, the base(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A headquarters is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavor and a setting for roleplaying.

Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Survival (Reason) roll to remember a "safe house" or a cache of supplies nearby, wherever they happen to be.

Leadership

A character with the Leadership gift excels at bringing out the best in others, and other people are more effective with the character than they are alone. Once per scene, the character can grant a +3 skill bonus to one of their allies. The player may decide to grant the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.

Lightning Strike

A character with the Lightning Strike gift can deal devastating blows using speed and finesse. The character may base their Hand-to-hand Combat attack rolls on Agility rather than on Brawn. The player may choose which attribute to use on a case by case basis.

Linguist

A character with the Linguist gift is fluent in dozens of languages, and is capable of quickly deciphering new languages when they encounter them.

Master Plan

Once per scene, a character with Master Plan is able to gain a tactical benefit at a time and place they choose. The form this takes can vary, and should be negotiated between the player and the GM, but a relatively typical use of a Master Plan would be to grant the character or one of their allies a +3 skill bonus to be used at a time of their choice during the conflict.

Mental Calculator

The character can perform complex mathematical calculations in their head in the same amount of time that a skilled mathematician could perform the same calculations on a powerful computer. Also, the character has an intuitive understanding of higher mathematics, and is able to comprehend and remember intricate formulae and equations after examining them briefly.

Minions

The character has one or more minor, mostly nameless lackeys of marginal usefulness. Such minions might be mooks, agents, armed guards, administrative staff, or technicians to keep the character's equipment in proper working order. There is no set limit to the number of minions a character might have, subject to the GM's approval, but the more minions there are, the less competent they are. For example, if a character has just three minions -- an administrative assistant, a chauffeur/auto mechanic, and a skilled professional -- they might be reasonably competent at their respective assignments (3 in their most relevant attributes, with 1 in relevant skills). If the character has dozens of minions, however, the best among them would have 2 in their relevant attributes, and none of them would have any skills requiring advanced education or technical aptitude.

Minions are primarily a fun asset for the character. They are not generally useful in combat, and are mainly used for flavor and as a foil for roleplaying. Minions should never steal the limelight from a player character.

Perfect Recall

Once per scene, the character may perfectly remember any event, document, recording, etc., which the character has clearly seen or heard, even if they were not paying particular attention to it at the time.

Pro From Dover

A character with the Pro From Dover gift can choose a specific, narrowly-defined professional, scholarly, or technical field in which they are an undisputed expert. When answering a question or performing research related to their specialty, they gain a +3 skill bonus.

A character may only be the Pro From Dover in a single narrowly defined noncombat specialty, and each player character with the Pro From Dover gift should choose a different specialty.

Quick Change

The Quick Change gift is usually possessed only by superheroes and stage magicians. Quick Change enables a character to change their entire outfit with a quick action. This could be made possible by super-speed, a costume stored in a ring, or just wearing a different outfit underneath street clothes. Additionally, a character with Quick Change and the Alternate Form power can change forms once per round with a quick action.

Ranged Disarm

A character with Ranged Disarm can make a disarm attack at range. A ranged disarm attack requires a successful Ranged Combat (Agility) roll against 8 + Ranged Combat (Agility) of the target. As with hand-to-hand disarming attacks, the attacker suffers a -3 skill penalty on the roll.

Sacred Caster

The character can cast spells of a sacred nature. See the Magic chapter for more details.

Scrounger

You can survive off the grid, whether you are in the wilderness or in an urban environment. You can find shelter, food, and personal essentials enough to provide for yourself and a small number of friends. In a populated area, you can always find useful items by asking around and keeping your eyes open.

Second Identity

The character has a second, completely legitimate identity. The character's second identity is completely documented and will withstand even the most focused scrutiny. Alternately, at the player's choice, the character has no documented identity at all: any and all records of their existence have been erased.

Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Finesse (Reason) roll to produce proof of a new but ordinary identity, appropriate to wherever they happen to be.

Sharpshooter

A character with the Sharpshooter gift adept at bypassing cover in ranged combat. When a defender is prone or has cover, they normally gain a bonus to their defense. A character with the Sharpshooter gift ignores a defender's bonus from being prone or having cover.

Sidekick

The character fights more effectively when they fight alongside their mentor. If the sidekick is within short range (10 m) of their mentor, their Agility, Brawn, and Power Level are equal to their normal values, or their mentor's values, whichever is greater. The character's mentor must be chosen when this gift is purchased, and should change very rarely, if ever.

Team Player

A character with the Team Player gift excels at working with others, and is more effective with others than they are alone. Once per scene, a character with the Team Player gift can gain a +3 skill bonus when working as part of a team. The player may decide to gain the bonus before or after the dice are rolled.

Underwater Combat

Normally, engaging in combat underwater imposes a -3 skill penalty. A character with the Underwater Combat gift does not incur a penalty for fighting underwater.

Unsettling

The character is able to put off a disturbing vibe that makes people nervous for no discernible reason. Strangers will find themselves disliking the character without knowing why, and normal animals will avoid the character unless forced to approach by a trainer or some other circumstance.

Vehicles

The character has one or more vehicles which provide fast and stylish transportation. If the character is a member of a team, the vehicle(s) might be shared with the other team members, at the player's discretion. A vehicle is primarily a convenience for the GM and a fun asset for the character. It is not generally useful in combat, and is mainly used for flavour and to make it easier for the character to get around.

Additionally, the character can make a moderately difficult (DV 12) Survival (Reason) roll to remember a vehicle they have stored nearby, wherever they happen to be.

Wealthy

If a problem can be solved by throwing money at it, a character with the Wealth gift can probably solve that problem. Food, clothing, and shelter cease to be concerns for a character with Wealth, but they are still plagued by the same interpersonal issues that are behind the serious problems most people face.

Whirlwind Attack

Normally, when making a sweep attack (attacking everyone within reach of the character simultaneously), the character incurs a -3 skill penalty on each roll. A character with Whirlwind Attack can make a sweep attack without incurring a penalty.