Example characters
From Breaking Worlds
Part of a series about the rules of Breaking Worlds.
Character creation:
- Character creation
- Starting abilities
- Skills
- Warrior skills
- Channeller skills
- Spell list
- Evoker skills
- General skills
See also:
When you are creating a character, it might be hard to choose from the range of skills available. With this in mind we have created some example character ‘builds’ to help you get started.
Knight
Noble, Warrior
This character is a heroic and heavily armoured warrior wielding sword and shield and supported by a retinue of loyal followers.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | 0 | Pool of 3 ST Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self | |
| Extra Stamina | 2 | Warrior | +1 ST (total 4) |
| Melee Weapon Practice | 1 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call DOUBLE by melee weapon |
| Buckler Training | 1 | Warrior | Proficient with bucklers |
| Shield Training | 4 | Buckler Training | Proficient with shields |
| Armour Practice I | 1 | Warrior | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +2) |
| Armour Practice II | 1 | Armour Practice I | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +3) |
| Armour Practice III | 2 | Armour Practice II | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +4) |
| Heavy Armour Specialty | 3 | Armour Practice I | May take CLEAVE as TRIPLE while wearing heavy armour |
| Toughness | 2 | +1 Hit | |
| Followers | 3 | Order followers to assist with or undertake downtime actions | |
| Noble Membership | 3 | Membership of the Noble Houses
Represents the rank of Knight or a position as a senior retainer |
This build gives a tough melee fighter with the following stats:
- 8 Hits in armour (4 Hits unarmoured)
- 4 Stamina
- Can spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on themself or call DOUBLE by one-handed weapon
- Proficient with shields
- Can take CLEAVE as TRIPLE while in heavy armour
- Supported by followers in downtime
- Membership of the Noble Houses
Master of rites
Noble, Evoker
This character is an expert at communing with the spirits of the elements and ancestors, and is an example of a character suited to non-combat situations.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evoker | 0 | Least Rite of Evocation, Minor Ritual: summon least elemental Spirit Binding: bind a spirit to a person or anchor | |
| Common Rite of Evocation | 2 | Evoker | Use common spirits Common Rite of Evocation, Major Ritual: summon common elemental |
| Greater Rite of Evocation | 3 | Common Rite of Evocation | Use greater spirits Greater Rite of Evocation, Major Ritual: summon greater elemental |
| Rite of Necromancy | 2 | Evoker | Rite of Necromancy, Minor Ritual: use a body to speak to the spirit |
| Rite of Séance | 3 | Rite of Necromancy | Rite of Séance, Major Ritual: summon an ancestor spirit |
| Rite of Dismissal | 2 | Evoker | Rite of Dismissal, Minor, Major, or Epic Ritual: dismiss a bound spirit |
| Rite of Sacrifice | 2 | Evoker | Rite of Sacrifice, Minor, Major, or Epic Ritual: sacrifice to a spirit even if not present |
| Artifice | 2 | Evoker | Make an anchor for a least spirit with 16 SD |
| Disposable Income | 1 | Receive one extra share of petty cash each interactive (total 2×) | |
| Noble Membership | 3 | Membership of the Noble Houses
Represents the rank of Knight or a position as a senior retainer |
This build gives a dedicated evoker with the following stats:
- 4 Hits in armour (3 Hits unarmoured)
- Can summon and bind elementals up to Greater degree
- Can summon ancestors
- Can dismiss spirits
- Can sacrifice to spirits
- Can create anchors for Least spirits
- Double petty cash per interactive
- Membership of the Noble Houses
Sergeant
Army, Warrior
This character is a tough melee fighter with a polearm and some healing skill.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | 0 | Pool of 3 ST Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self | |
| Two-Handed Weapon Training | 2 | Warrior | Proficient with two-handed weapons |
| Polearm Training | 3 | Two-Handed Weapon Training | Proficient with polearms and one-handed spears |
| Armour Practice I | 1 | Warrior | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +2) |
| Armour Practice II | 1 | Armour Practice I | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +3) |
| Armour Practice III | 2 | Armour Practice II | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +4) |
| Survival | 3 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self while dying |
| Survivor’s Grit | 2 | Survival | Spend 1 ST to call CURE 3 on self while dying |
| Toughness | 2 | +1 Hit | |
| Medicine | 1 | Spend 10 seconds to call CURE 1 on a dying character Spend 60 seconds (or 10 seconds with Reagents) to call CURE ALL | |
| Army Membership | 3 | Membership of the Royal Armies
Represents the rank of company officer (Lieutenant or Ensign) or Sergeant |
This build gives a resilient fighter with the following stats:
- 8 Hits in armour (4 Hits unarmoured)
- 3 Stamina
- Can spend 1 ST to call CURE 3 on themself while Dying or call CURE 1 on themself at any other time
- Proficient with two-handed weapons and polearms
- Can spend 10 seconds to call CURE 1 on a Dying character
- Can spend 60 seconds (or 10 seconds with Reagents) to call CURE ALL on another character
- Membership of the Royal Armies
Support channeller
Army, Channeller
This character is a specialised channeller of the element of Earth, able to heal and bolster allies and themself in battle.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channeller | 0 | Pool of 5 Mana Detect Magic, 1 Mana: examine magic EFFECT, item, or being | |
| Extra Mana | 2 | Channeller | +1 Mana (total 6) |
| First Elemental Discipline: Earth |
1 | Channeller | Access to Earth spells Energy of Earth, 1 Mana: self or close CURE 1 |
| First Circle Spell: Vigour of Earth |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Earth |
Vigour of Earth, 1 Mana: self or close CURE 3 |
| First Circle Spell: Rite of Resistance |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Earth |
Rite of Resistance, Minor Ritual: All participants get one RESIST against status effects |
| First Circle Spell: Rite of Transference |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Earth |
Rite of Transference, Minor Ritual: Move a Minor Effect to a participant |
| Second Circle Spell: Tenacity of Earth |
2 | First Circle Spell (any two Earth) |
Vigour of Earth, 1 Mana: self or close “Gain 1 Stamina” |
| Second Circle Spell: Rite of Bolstering |
2 | First Circle Spell (Vigour of Earth, any other Earth) |
Rite of Bolstering, Minor Ritual: All participants get CURE ALL and +3 temporary Hits |
| Second Circle Spell: Rite of Endurance |
2 | First Circle Spell (Rite of Resistance, any other Earth) |
Rite of Endurance, Major Ritual: One participant gets damage reduction for a single fight |
| Elemental Ascendancy: Earth |
2 | Second Circle Spell (any two Earth) |
Improvise Minor Rituals of Earth |
| Toughness | 2 | +1 Hit | |
| Army Membership | 3 | Membership of the Royal Armies
Represents the rank of company officer (Lieutenant or Ensign) or Sergeant |
This build gives a capable healer and support magician with the following stats:
- 4 Hits unarmoured
- 6 Mana
- Can spend 1 Mana to examine a magic item or call CURE 3 or “Gain 1 Stamina” at close range or on themself
- Can perform rituals to transfer effects, grant resistances, or grant temporary hits
- Can improvise Minor Rituals of Earth
- Membership of the Royal Armies
Militant
Reformist, Channeller with Warrior skills
This character is a militant capable of taking down their chosen target with sword and dagger or the power of Metal magic.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channeller | 0 | Pool of 5 Mana Detect Magic, 1 Mana: examine magic EFFECT, item, or being | |
| First Elemental Discipline: Metal |
1 | Channeller | Access to Metal spells Spark of Metal, 1 Mana: ranged SINGLE |
| First Circle Spell: Push of Metal |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Metal |
Spark of Metal, 1 Mana: ranged REPEL |
| First Circle Spell: Mind of Metal |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Metal |
Spark of Metal, 2 Mana: give a person five minutes of Calm, Courage, Fear, or Sorrow |
| Second Circle Spell: Chains of Metal |
2 | First Circle Spell (Push of Metal, any other Metal) |
Spark of Metal, 1 Mana: ranged DOUBLE STRIKEDOWN |
| Warrior | 4 | Pool of 3 ST Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self | |
| Ambidexterity | 2 | Warrior | May use two weapons at once |
| Backstab | 2 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call TRIPLE by short weapon from behind |
| Backstab Mastery | 2 | Backstab | Spend 1 ST to call CLEAVE by short weapon from behind |
| Armour Practice I | 1 | Warrior | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +2) |
| Light Armour Specialty | 1 | Armour Practice I | Mana penalty from light armour reduced to -1 |
| Coalition Membership | 3 | Membership of the Reform Coalition
Represents a position of respect within a reform society |
This build gives a quick-striking fighter with the following stats:
- 5 Hits in armour (3 Hits unarmoured)
- 4 Mana in light armour (5 Mana unarmoured)
- 3 Stamina
- Can spend 1 Mana to examine a magic item or call REPEL or DOUBLE STRIKEDOWN at range
- Can spend 2 Mana to induce temporary Calm, Courage, Fear, or Sorrow
- Can spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on themself or call CLEAVE by short weapon while attacking from behind
- Can use two weapons (short or one-handed) at once
- Membership of the Reform Coalition
Seeker witch
Reformist, Evoker with Channeller skills
This character is a researcher investigating the mysteries of the universe through evocation, Water magic, and good old-fashioned legwork, and is an example of a character suited to non-combat situations.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evoker | 0 | Least Rite of Evocation, Minor Ritual: summon least elemental Spirit Binding: bind a spirit to a person or anchor | |
| Common Rite of Evocation | 2 | Evoker | Use common spirits Common Rite of Evocation, Major Ritual: summon common elemental |
| Greater Rite of Evocation | 3 | Common Rite of Evocation | Use greater spirits Greater Rite of Evocation, Major Ritual: summon greater elemental |
| Rite of Dismissal | 2 | Evoker | Rite of Dismissal, Minor, Major, or Epic Ritual: dismiss a bound spirit |
| Channeller | 4 | Pool of 5 Mana Detect Magic, 1 Mana: examine magic EFFECT, item, or being | |
| First Elemental Discipline: Water |
1 | Channeller | Access to Water spells Energy of Water, 1 Mana: self or close CURE 1 |
| First Circle Spell: Voice of Water |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Water |
Voice of Water, 1 Mana: speak to a magic item or Effect for five minutes |
| First Circle Spell: Rite of Scrying |
1 | First Elemental Discipline: Water |
Rite of Scrying, Minor Ritual: All participants receive a vision, secret, or piece of knowledge |
| Second Circle Spell: Rite of Divination |
2 | First Circle Spell (Rite of Scrying, any other Water) |
Rite of Divination, Major Ritual: All participants receive a vision answering a specified question |
| Business Connections | 1 | Submit a rumour each interactive or downtime Receive one extra rumour each downtime | |
| Coalition Membership | 3 | Membership of the Reform Coalition
Represents a position of respect within a reform society |
This build gives a versatile investigator with the following stats:
- 3 Hits unarmoured
- 5 Mana
- Can summon and bind elementals up to Greater degree
- Can dismiss spirits
- Can spend 1 Mana to examine a magic item or call CURE 1 at close range or on themself
- Can spend 2 mana to speak to a magic item or effect
- Can perform rituals to find information or answer questions
- Can submit and receive one extra rumour per interactive
- Membership of the Reform Coalition
Hunter
Freelance, Warrior
This character is a resourceful scout and archer on the hunt for valuable monster specimens.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | 0 | Pool of 3 ST Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self | |
| Extra Stamina | 2 | Warrior | +1 ST (total 4) |
| Thrown Weapon Training | 1 | Warrior | Proficient with short thrown weapons Proficient with large thrown weapons |
| Archery Training | 4 | Warrior | Proficient with bows and crossbows |
| Armour Practice I | 1 | Warrior | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +2) |
| Armour Practice II | 1 | Armour Practice I | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +3) |
| Dodge | 2 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call dodge a melee blow or MASS or WIDE damage |
| Survival | 3 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self while dying |
| Toughness | 2 | +1 Hit | |
| Medicine | 1 | Spend 10 seconds to call CURE 1 on a dying character Spend 60 seconds (or 10 seconds with Reagents) to call CURE ALL | |
| Dissection | 2 | Medicine | Spend 10 seconds to remove an organ or body part Examine a body to learn about its abilities |
| Trader’s Appraisal | 1 | Appraise valuable items |
This build gives an effective scout with the following stats:
- 7 Hits in light armour (4 Hits unarmoured)
- 4 Stamina
- Can spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on themself while Dying or at any other time, or dodge a melee blow or MASS or WIDE damage
- Proficient with all thrown weapons, bows and crossobows
- Can spend 10 seconds to call CURE 1 on a Dying character
- Can spend 60 seconds (or 10 seconds with Reagents) to call CURE ALL on another character
- Can dissect bodies and take samples
- Can appraise valuable items
Paladin
Freelance, Warrior with Evoker skills
This character is a holy warrior dedicated to following the guidance of the spirits.
| Skill | XP Cost | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | 0 | Pool of 3 ST Spend 1 ST to call CURE 1 on self | |
| Melee Weapon Practice | 1 | Warrior | Spend 1 ST to call DOUBLE by melee weapon |
| Melee Weapon Expertise | 2 | Melee Weapon Practice | Spend 1 ST to call TRIPLE by melee weapon |
| Buckler Training | 1 | Warrior | Proficient with bucklers |
| Shield Training | 4 | Buckler Training | Proficient with shields |
| Armour Practice I | 1 | Warrior | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +2) |
| Armour Practice II | 1 | Armour Practice I | Further +1 Hit from any armour (total +3) |
| Evoker | 4 | Least Rite of Evocation, Minor Ritual: summon least elemental Spirit Binding: bind a spirit to a person or anchor | |
| Common Rite of Evocation | 2 | Evoker | Use common spirits Common Rite of Evocation, Major Ritual: summon common elemental |
| Rite of Sacrifice | 2 | Evoker | Rite of Sacrifice, Minor, Major, or Epic Ritual: sacrifice to a spirit even if not present |
| Toughness | 2 | +1 Hit |
This build gives a tough melee fighter with the following stats: