Game in the Brain

The GURPS 4E basic set is a formidable book to begin with the Table-top Role-playing Hobby. It may just be basic, but the number of games you can have with it is impressive in variety more than scope. I will start a small bunch of basic set ready NPCs, Adventures, load outs, and more so to prove you have the most bang for buck with just the basic set.

Looking at the NPCs samples in the Basic Set, It is strange that they didn’t stick to the original 3rd edition stock NPCs who were easy to start with and use. I have made some basic set NPCs at 120cp but with 60cp of disadvantages. I’ve tried to stay clear of over-done archetypes. I do have 3 common archetypes with a twist (the Squire and the Old Soldier), and 1 uncommon archetype (rarely played) .

The Witch of Hypatia is in line with the arrival of the movie Agora. I’ve gotten the idea after being exposed to so much of the strong, eccentric, independent “aunts” archetype found in the novels that I’ve read (like Lois McMaster Bujold’s works) . The direct inspiration is Eudokia Makrembolitissa but as an adventurer.

These characters are were made in mind of my Sins of the Crusades game, found in my byzantine blog. Although they can easily be modified to fit any other low magic setting. I would say they are a perfect fit with Game of Thrones Westeros.

I have also made them in mind to be heavily role-played. In Role-playing difficulty levels of easiest to hardest are: Urser, Kayleen and Corsan tied, and of course the Witch of Hypatia, Markessa.

I have 2 more characters in the works, but I just can’t contain my excitement in making these available asap. I also have an updated adventure in also in the works, designed for my SoC game but easily convertible to other games (since I don’t use magic in my games, it is practically compatible with any game setting).

Kayleen of Midrenn 120cp

Age 18, Height 5’6”, Weight 100lbs,

Hair Brown, Eyes Hazel.

Background. A woodsman’s daughter, Kayleen learned her father’s trade because he had no other sons. When she was young, she played with her lord’s children who didn’t much mind her status. Skilled in hunting, she participated with her noble-born playmates in their hunting games. As she grew older, she didn’t realize she was inheriting their independent spirit and eventually grew out of place. When a bandit incursion attacked her lord’s lands when he was away, she became a valuable scout and won honor and respect of her people.

Attributes [100]: ST11 [10]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 11 [10].

Secondary Characteristics [15]: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1; BL 24 [0]; HP 11 [0]; FP 11 [0]; Per 12 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Spd 6 [5]; Move 8 [10]; Dodge (none) 10 (11 w/ shield) [0]; Parry (Knife) 9 [0].

Advantages [20]: Combat Reflex [15]; Keen vision +3 [6]; Appearance (Attractive +1) [4].

Disadvantages [-60]: Code of Honor (Pirate’s) [-5]; Social Stigma (2nd Class Citizen: woman) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Family and Friends) [-5]; Intolerance (Clergy) [-5]; Cannot Read/Write Common Language [-3]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Wealth (Struggling) [-10] and Social Status (Peasant Background) -1 [-5]; Curious (15) [-2]; Secret (freesworn woman and Bitter Leaf Eater ) [-10].

Quirks [-5]: Dislikes Small Spaces, Dislikes Cities and their folk, likes Superstitious rituals, Tomboy, Chews on Bitter Moon leaves*.

Total Skills [45]:

Primary Skills [21]:

Hunter Skills [21]: Tracking (A) Per [2]-12†; Hiking (A) HT+1 [4]-12; Running (A) HT-1 [1]-10; Swimming (E) HT [1]-11; Riding (A) DX-1 [1]-11; Stealth (A) DX+1 [4]-13; Survival (Wooded) (A) Per [2]-12†; Navigation (Land) (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Packing (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Soldier (Scout) (A) IQ [2]-12; Observation (A) Per [2]-12.

Secondary Skills [14]:

Archer Combat Skills [14]: Bow (A) DX+2 [8]-14; Broad sword (A) DX [2]-12; Shield (E) DX [1]-12; Fastdraw (Arrow) (E) DX [1]-13; Wrestling (A) DX-1 [1]-11; Knife (E) DX [1]-12.

Background Skills [10]:

Rural Peasant Background [4]: Housekeeping (E) IQ [1]-12; Scrounging (E) Per [1]-12†; Animal handling (Dogs) (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Savoir-Faire (Neighborly) (E) IQ [1]-12.

Social Skills [6]: Body Language (A) Per [2]-12†; Intimidation (A) Will-1 [1]-11; Sex Appeal (A) HT-1 [1]-10; Acting (A) IQ [2]-12.

† Keen Vision +2

(Ranged) Worn:

• Rugged Roughs-pun Clothes (Status -1) 2lbs ($60)

• Light Cloak DR1 2lbs $20

• Shoes 2lbs $40

• Total 6.5lbs $60

(Archer) Carried:

• Cheap Light Shield (buckler) DB1 2lbs $15

  • Skill-12, Block-11

• Longbow 4lbs $100

  • w/ Hip Quiver 20 broad-head arrows 3lbs $55

  • Skill-14 (Aim + AoA:D = 10yrds at Skill-14)

  • Acc 3, Dmg thr 1d+1 imp, Range 165/220

• Cheap Dagger 0.25lb $12

  • Skill-12, Parry-11

• Wineskin (2 liters) 5lbs $10

• A Day’s Ration 1.5lbs $6

• Personals 1lb $5

• Total 17lbs $303

Travel Load Out:

• Small Backpack 3lbs $60

• Wine Skin (4Liters) 9lbs $10

• Blanket 4lbs $20

• Complete Wardrobe 20lbs ($300)

• Tent, 1-Man 5lbs $50

• Pouch of Bitter Moon Leaf 1lbs $5

• Total 42lbs $135

Total 68.5lbs $498

Tactic Notes:

Ranged

1. Take suitable cover and concealment. if none maneuver if still faster than opponents.

2. Fast draw Arrow and Aim (aim for a full 3 seconds if distance is about +30yrd)

3. All-out-Attack: Determined, Loose-Arrow, Fast-Draw arrow and Maneuver for cover

4. Step into partial cover/concealment, Draw and Aim

5. All-out-Attack: Determined, Loose-Arrow, Fast-Draw arrow and Maneuver for cover

6. repeat.

Melee

1. Melee is last resort, avoid if possible. Take advantage of high move, foraging/survival skills to live to fight another day.

Bitter Moon Herb- These uncommon herb is grown secretly, rumored to be used by witches. It is usually made into a tea, and acts as a suppressant to a woman’s period. It is a controversial practice but in reality it is practiced by many women of in the capital more discretely.

Urser of Leon-Silvas 120cp

Age 36, Height 5’9”, Weight 180lbs, Hair Black, Eyes blue.

Background. Hero of the Bloody Brook was a title Urser held a very long time ago. An old soldier whose brief stint in the lime light lead him to a path of self destruction. Many bad choices happened since then, and tragedy after tragedy until he finally woke up out of his drunken haze. Now A recovering alcoholic, Urser has become a very different man fin the course of a year, thanks to friends, a new purpose and a second chance.

Attributes [100]: ST13 [30]; DX 11 [20]; IQ 12 [40]; HT 11 [10].

Secondary Characteristics [0]: Dmg 1d/2d-1; BL 29 [0]; HP 13 [0]; FP 11 [0]; Per 12 [0]; Will 12 [0]; Spd 5.25 [0]; Move 5 [0]; Dodge (light) 9 [0]; Parry (Broadsword) 10 [0].

Advantages [25]: Combat Reflex [15]; Reputation “Hero of the Bloody Brook” +3 (Recognition-7) [5]; Fit [5].

Disadvantages [-60]: Code of Honor (Soldier) [-10]; Duty, Hazardous (9) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family and Friends) [-5]; Discipline of Faith (Ritualism) [-5]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Read/Write Latin/Greek Language [-3]; Honest (12) [-10]; Bad Reputation (Recognition-7) “Drunken Has-been of Bloody Brook” -1 [-2]; Incurious (12) [-5].

Quirks [-5]: Recovering Alcoholic, Talks about the Old Days, Careful, Gluttonous, and Chummy.

Total Skills [55]:

Primary Skills [31]:

Soldiering Skills [20]: Soldier (A) IQ+2 [8]-14; Hiking (A) HT+1 [4]-12; Running (A) HT-1 [1]-10; Swimming (E) HT [1]-11; Riding (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Stealth (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Survival (Wooded) (A) Per [2]-12; Navigation (Land) (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Packing (A) IQ-1 [1]-11;

Officer Skills [11]: History (War) (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Current Events (War) (E) IQ [1]-12; Tactics (Land) (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Strategy (Land) (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Psychology (H) IQ-2 [1]-10; Heraldry (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Savoir-Faire (Military) (E) IQ [1]-12; Intimidation (A) Will-1 [1]-11; Leadership (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Observation (A) Per [1]-11; Public Speaking (Oration) (A) IQ [1]-11.

Secondary Skills [19]:

Combat Skills [19]: Spear (A) DX+2 [8]-12; Shield (E) DX+1 [2]-12; Throwing Spear (E) DX+1 [2]-12; Wrestling (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Brawling (E) DX [1]-11; Knife (E) DX+1 [2]-12; Broadsword (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Fast Draw (Spear) (E) DX [1]-12; Crossbow (E) DX [1]-11.

Background Skills [5]:

Rural Peasant Background [5]: Housekeeping (E) IQ [1]-12; Scrounging (E) Per [1]-12; Farming (A) IQ [2]-12; Savoir-Faire (Neighborly) (E) IQ [1]-12.

(Melee) Worn:

• Light Scale Armor DR 3 15lbs $150

• Legionaire Helm DR 4/2* 6lbs $150

• Rugged Roughs-pun Clothes (Status 0) 2lbs ($120)

• Light Cloak 2lbs $20

• Shoes 2lbs $40

• Total 26lbs $360

(Spear man) Carried:

• Cheap Medium Shield (Heavy Kite shield) DB2 15lbs $24

  • Skill-12, Block-12

  • Holds 2 javelins

  • Appearance: Reverse Teardrop Shape, 5ft x 3.5ft at the widest.

  • Note: can be Stabbed on the ground as cover.

• 2 Javelins 4lbs $60

  • Skill-12 (skill-13 melee, parry-12) (3 sec Aim + AoA:D = 7yrds at skill-14)

  • Acc 3, Dmg thr 1d+1 imp, Range 20/33

• Fine Spear 4lbs $120

  • Skill-13, Parry-12 (2-h grip one handed)

  • (Skill-12) Acc2, Dmg thr 2d imp, Range 13/20, Reach 1, 2

• Cheap Large Knife 1lb $24

  • Skill-12, Parry-11

  • Dmg thr 1d imp / sw 1d+1 cut

• Crossbow Bow 4lbs $150

  • Skill-11 (Braced + 3 sec aim + AoA:D = 15yrds at skill-14)

  • Acc 4, Dmg thr 2d(2) imp, Range 260/325

  • w/ Hip Quiver 20 cheap bodkin bolts 3lbs $39

• 2L Wineskin 5lbs $10

• A Day’s Ration 1.5lbs $6

• Personals 1lb $5

• Total 38.5lbs $399

Travel Load Out:

• Backpack, Frame 3lbs $60

• Wine Skin (4Liters) 9lbs $10

• Blanket 4lbs $20

• 2 Extra Sets Clothes ($240)

• Tent, 1-Man 5lbs $50

• 10-Meals Ration 5lbs $20

• Total 30bs $160

Total 118.5lbs $959, $41 farthings left.

Tactic notes:

Ranged

1. Take suitable cover and concealment. if none stab the Shield on the ground for half cover.

2. Draw Crossbow and Load Bolt (4 sec)

3. Brace on Shield Aim (3 sec), always go for maximum chance to hit because of slow ROF.

Melee (if closing in)

1) Ready Shield

2) If on high ground, fast-draw javelin, Aim (3-sec) and wait for opponent to close in.. or if on low ground advance behind shield (as full cover).

3) at about 7yards, hurl javelin: Aimed at all out attack, or before closing in when advancing or fast draw Spear.

4) Keep a 2yrd distance by retreating or All-out-Attack: Feint and Attack or Determined (which allows the character to move 2 spaces back by using up all 4 moves) if opponents are armed with reach 1 melee weapons.

5) priority targets: unarmored legs or feet (Cut opponent’s mobility).

Markessa Letissia (Formerly Baroness Markessa Angelou) 120cp

Age 41, Height 5’4”, Weight 100lbs,

Hair Black and Gray, Eyes Amber.

Background. No one will ever suspect the widow of the Baron Galeni Angelou is a witch of Hypatia. The Lady Letissia has been disciplined by a torturous secret she has kept for almost all her life. Now, that her children are fully grown and busy with affairs with the empire, she has taken the opportunity to set her self finally free of it, in a fruitful and careful manner. Practicing her particular faith in secret was difficult but possible through the aid and support of the other witches, now free from social obligations of court and family, she can search for more like-minded souls and make the world a better place in her search.

Attributes [60]: ST10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 13 [60]; HT 10 [0].

Secondary Characteristics [0]: Dmg 1d-2/1d; BL 20 [0]; HP 10 [0]; FP 10 [0]; Per 13 [0]; Will 13 [0]; Spd 5 [0]; Move 5 [0]; Dodge (none) 8 [0]; Parry (Knife) 9 [0].

Advantages [55]:

High Noble [50]: Status (Greater Noble) 3 [10]; Wealth (Very Wealthy) [30]; Patronage (Patrician Family) (6) [8]; Reputation +1 Baroness Angelou (Recognition-7) [2].

Social Background [5]: Cultural Familiarity (Native) [0]; Language (Ruling Language) (Speak and Read) (Native) [0]; Language (same alphabet) (2nd Dominant Language) (Accented) [2]; Language (same alphabet) (Religious Language) (Broken) [1]; Language (Speak and Read) (Powerful Neighbors Language) (Broken) [2].

Disadvantages [-60]: Code of Honor (Lady’s) [-10]; Social Stigma (2nd Class Citizen: woman) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Family and Friends) [-5]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Secret (Heretic; Witch) [-30].

Quirks [-5]: Blank faced, Careful,

Total Skills [65]:

Primary Skills [30]:

Social Skills [19]: Politics (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Acting (A) IQ+1 [4]-14; Savoir-Faire (High Society) IQ+2 [4]-15; Body language (A) Per+1 [4]-14; Detect Lies (H) Body Language-4 [0]-10; Public Speaking (A) IQ+1 [4]-14; Current Affairs (Court) IQ [1]-13; Cultural Familiarity (Neighboring Power) [1].

Pagan Lore [11]: Philosophy (Empirical Thought) (H) IQ [4]-13; Observation (A) Per+1 [4]-14; Teaching (A) IQ [2]-13; Savoir Faire (Witches) (E) IQ [1]-13.

Secondary Skills [20]:

Support Skills [10]: Intelligence Analysis (Politics) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Strategy (Politics) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Psychology (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Law (High Court) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; History (Families) (H) IQ-1 [2]-12.

Secondary Social Skills [5]: Diplomacy (H) IQ-1 [2]-12; Interrogation (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Intimidation (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Merchant (A) IQ-1 [1]-12.

Taboo Skills [5]: Streetwise (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Knife (E) DX [1]-11; Poison (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Sex Appeal (A) HT-1 [1]-9.

Background Skills [15]:

Noble Background [15]: Administration (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Literature (Folk Lore) (H) IQ-2 [1]-11; Theology (Religion) (H) IQ-2 [1]-11; History (Local) (H) IQ-2 [1]-11; Writing (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Dancing (A) DX [2]-10; Riding (A) DX [2]-10; Games (E) IQ [1]-13; Math (Applied) (H) IQ-2 [1]-11; Carousing (A) HT-1 [1]-9; Heraldry (A) IQ-1 [1]-12; Artist (Poetry) (H) IQ-2 [1]-11; Area Knowledge (Capital Region) (E) IQ [1]-13.

Equipment [12.lbs]:

Worn:

• Outdoor Dress (Status 0) 4lbs ($120);

• Outdoor Cloak 5lbs $50

• Shoes 2lbs $40.

• Total 7lbs $90

Carried:

• Fine Dagger 0.25lbs $60;

• Personals 1lb $5.

• Total

Entourage

• 3 Servants

  • an old scullery maid,

  • old men vallets and a guide.

• 2 horses

• 4 pack animals (donkeys)

• typically hires guards or accompanies other travelers.

Corsan’gen Veriden Romanii 120cp

Age 17, Height 5’9”, Weight 150lbs,

Hair Dark Brown, Eyes Gray.

Background. Middle son of Sir Jomar Romanii, Corsan’gen grew up invisible and mostly forgotten from the size of his family. Strangely, this curse was also a blessing Corsan learned to appreciate. There were many things he learned about himself, he could not share with his closest family or friends. Fortunately he had a very strange but supportive aunt who helped him keep his secret and grow despite the pressures of his family.

Then came his 16th name day and a chance at knighthood. Corsan’s, to some odd surprise failed, but his relative obscurity didn’t make it much of a big deal. It was very disappointing and crushing at first, because like every male of his family martial prowess was the dream. After some time passed, he had a change of mind about his situation. When his aunt decided to travel and see the “holy” places, Corsan took the chance to be with her and keep her safe… he didn’t know the kind of adventures this strange opportunity would bring.

Attributes [60]: ST11 [10]; DX11 [20]; IQ11 [20]; HT11 [10].

Secondary Characteristics [0]: Dmg 1d-1/1d+1 [0]; BL 24 [0]; HP 11; FP 11 [0]; Per 11 [0]; Will 11 [0]; Spd 5.5 [0]; Move 5 [0]; Dodge 10.

Advantages [70]:

Warrior Class [40]: Combat Reflex [15]; Status 1 (Squire) [0]; Wealth (wealthy) [20]; Patron (Family) (6) [5].

Social Background [5]: Cultural Familiarity (Norman) (Native) [0]; Language (French) (Speak and Read) (Native) [0]; Language (same alphabet) (English) (Accented) [2]; Language (same alphabet) (Latin) (Broken) [1]; Language (Speak and Read) (Greek) (Broken) [2].

Personal Advantage [25]: Empathy [15]; Charisma +2 [10].

Disadvantages [-60]: Duty, Hazardous (Charge) (12) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5] Discipline of Faith (Ritualism) [-5]; Code of Honor (Soldier) [-10]; Honest (12) [-5]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Secret (Utter rejection) [-10].

Quirks [-5]: Quiet, Humble, Helpful, Careful, and Thoughtful.

Skill Total [55]:

Primary Skills [32]:

Knightly Arms [18]:. Broadsword (A) DX+1 [4]-12; Axe/Mace (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Spear (A) DX+1 [4]-12; Fast Draw (Sword) (E) [1]-12; Cavalry Weapon (Spear) (H) Spear+0 [2]-11; Shield (E) DX+1 [2]-12; Knife (E) DX [1]-11; Wrestling (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Brawling (E) DX [1]-11; Crossbow (E) DX [1]-11.

Heavy Cavalryman [14]: Soldier (A) IQ [2]-11; Riding (A) DX [2]-11; Combat Riding (H) Riding+2 [2]-12; Hands-free Riding (H) Riding+0 [4]; Animal handling (Horses) (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Packing (A) IQ-1 [1]-10; Savoir-Faire (Miltiary) (E) IQ [1]-13ǂ; Tactics (Land) (H) IQ-2 [1]-10.

Secondary Skills [6]:

Hunting [6]: Tracking (A) Per-1 [1]-10; Stealth (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Survival (Woodland) (A) Per-1 [1]-10; Running (A) HT-1 [1]-10; Climbing (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Swimming (E) HT [1]-11.

Background Skills [17]:

Noble Background [12]: Literature (Folk Lore) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; Theology (Imperial Church) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; History (Family) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; History (Local) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; Writing (A) IQ-1 [1]-10; Dancing (A) DX-1 [1]-10; Games (E) IQ [1]-11; Math (Applied) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; Heraldry (A) IQ-1 [1]-10; Artist (Poetry) (H) IQ-2 [1]-9; Current Affairs (Politics) (E) IQ [1]-11; Area Knowledge (Capital Region) (E) IQ [1]-11.

Social Skills [5]: Acting (A) IQ-1 [1]-11; Diplomacy (H) IQ-2 [1]-11ǂ; Savoir-Faire (High Society) (E) IQ [1]-13ǂ; Psychology (H) IQ [4]-15†.

† Empathy.

ǂCharisma

Worn:

• Mail Coif DR4/2* 4lbs $100

• Leather Armor DR2 10lbs $100

• Clothes (Status 1) 2lbs ($240)

• Leather Gloves $30

• Light Cloak 2lbs $20

• Boots 3lbs $80

• Total 21lbs $330

Carried:

• Cheap Small Shield (Kite Cavalry Shield) 8lbs $24

  • Skill-12, Block-11

• Appearance: Reverse Teardrop Shape, 4ft x 3ft at the widest.

• Note: can be Stabbed on the ground as cover but one must kneel behind it.

• Cheap Spear 4lbs $24

  • Skill-12, Parry-11

  • Dmg thr 1d+1 imp, reach-1

• Cheap Broadsword 3lbs $360

  • Skill-11, Parry-10

  • Dmg thr 1d+1 imp/ sw 1d+2 cut, reach-1

• Cheap Large Knife 1lbs $24

  • Skill-11, Parry-9

  • Dmg thr 1d-1 imp/ sw 1d-1 cut, reach-C

• Crossbow Bow 4lbs $150

  • Skill-12 (Braced + 3 sec aim + AoA:D = 20yrds at skill-14)

  • Acc 4, Dmg thr 2d-1(2) imp, Range 260/325

  • w/ Hip Quiver 20 cheap bodkin bolts 3lbs $39

• Wineskin (2 liters) 5lbs $10

• A Day’s Ration 1.5lbs $6

• Pouch of Personals 1lbs $5

• Total 30.5lbs. $636

Total Combat Load-Out 51.5lbs (Light Load) $956 (Rider 195lbs)

On Horseback: (medium load of 264lbs)

• Cheap Long spear 5lbs $36

• “Thorn Biter” War Saddle Horse (ST25) $2880

  • Rider and Equipment 253.5lbs

  • Move 3.6 on a trot, Move 7.2 run.

• Bit and Bridle 3lbs $35

• Horseshoes 4lbs $50

• Saddle and Tack 15lbs $150

• Stirrups 20lbs $125

• Total 47lbs $3,276

Travel Load Out:

• Small Backpack 3lbs $60

• Wine Skin (4Liters) 9lbs $10

• Blanket 4lbs $20

• Sleeping Furs 8lbs $50

• Wardrobe 20lbs ($1200)

• Tent, 1-Man 5lbs $50

• 10 days Rations 5lbs $20

• Saddle bags 3lbs $100

• Total 25lbs $310

Tactic notes:

Ranged

1. Take suitable cover and concealment. if none stab the Shield on the ground for half cover.

2. Draw Crossbow and Load Bolt (4 sec)

3. Brace on Shield Aim (3 sec), always go for maximum chance to hit because of slow ROF.

Melee (if closing in)

1) Ready Shield, Fast Draw Sword

2) Advance or Maneuver behind Shield at Maximum Cover.

3) Close in and engage

Slight Deviations from RAW.

Wine skins weighing as much as 1lb. If water packs, durable enough to endure travel and wear weigh roughly 1lb and more, certainly lower tech Wineskins would weigh as much as water packs. It also makes the item calculations easier.