[Index]

OUTLAW5 (15)

Cypher Bestiary

Feared by the rich and powerful, loved by those who toil in servitude, outlaws work to bring down a system they believe is unjust.

Adventure Seed: The PCs are hired by a noble to take down a nearby "bandit." The PCs later learn it is the noble who's in the wrong.

Health: 22

Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound

Armor: 1

Movement: Short

Modifications: Stealth, charm, and deception as level 6; initiative, hunting, and navigating the wilderness as level 7

Combat: An outlaw is a master of sword and bow, attacking twice each round with one or the other.

An outlaw, while acting on the side of right, could also attempt a Worthy Maneuver or two.

WORTHY MANEUVERS

An outlaw acting on the side of right could attempt one or two of the following maneuvers.

• Swing into Action: Hidden from sight in the crown of tall trees or on a building's roof, the outlaw swings from a rope or forest vine from up to a long distance away. As part of the same action, they gain an eased surprise attack that inflicts a major wound.
  
• Snaring Shot: The outlaw who succeeds on their ranged bow or crossbow attack deals no damage but instead pins a foe in place by putting an arrow through a fold of clothing or boot and a ground or wall. The target can't move and is hindered on physical tasks until they can escape with a successful Might roll as their action.
  
• Acquiring Strike: The outlaw who succeeds on their melee attack deals no damage but instead knocks a foe's weapon from their hand, which the outlaw grabs with their free hand, or alternately, deflects into the hands of a follower.
  
• Trick: The outlaw tells a bald-faced lie about the situation, attempting to trick their foe into believing that it might be safe to walk out on the rickety bridge, that the outlaw is surrendering, or something else that would put the foe in a worse position. Characters who fail an Intellect defense roll believe the ruse on their next action and act accordingly.
  
• Abscond: The outlaw who succeeds on their attack deals no damage. Instead, they cut a rope holding a bridge or tent, startle an animal, throw mud in the eye of a foe, or something else that shifts attention. Characters who fail a difficulty 7 perception task discover that the outlaw and their cheerful followers have escaped clean away.

GM Intrusion: The character's attack didn't actually hit; the outlaw stands aside and reveals the weapon stuck in a wall or stump. Pulling it free requires a successful Might roll.

GM Intrusion: After close combat, the outlaw steps back, holding a piece of important equipment they somehow got off the character or out of their pack.

THE ESSENCE OF AN OUTLAW

What distinguishes courageous outlaws from common bandits is their sense of honor: some steal from the rich and distribute a portion of the take to the needy. Others are wrongly blamed for another's actions and must act outside the law, relying on their skill, wit, and charm to see them through.

Outlaws have a moral code—it just may not be the code that others abide by. They're often willing to take jobs too difficult for others, especially if it helps someone in need.

Outlaws believe that if they act with right on their side, they will never fail.

OUTLAW NAMES

An outlaw gains a mythic reputation if they help enough people. Whether an assumed name or actual, their name often gives hope to the common people. Options include: Rowan Hood, Whiskers in Boots, Peregrine Pan, Lady of Blades, Golden Boy, Wildwood Caller, Wendy Starlight, Raven Cloak, Catty Heart, Redtail John, Shadowbright, Silverglove, Serafina Gladerunner, Rowland Sherwood, Percival Hood, Reynard in Gloves, Glenda the Grin

CHEERFUL FOLLOWERS

Every outlaw has a band of friends that supports their unlawful ventures. Choose or roll for two or three encountered along with the outlaw.

Outlaws in a science-fiction setting could fly about the local planetary or star system in a spacecraft, righting wrongs even as they attempt to scrape by against a corrupt planetary government.

d6	Follower
1	Glyndwr the Fat: might be a small giant; gentle except when in combat; never gives up. Level 4, feats of strength as level 7; Armor 3; attacks twice with quarterstaff each round
2	Eve Kingdom: all in black; volatile in temper and quick with an obscenity; loyal. Level 4; dodge and attacks as level 6; attacks twice with rapier each round
3	Ben the Grizzled: sapient talking bear that wears a human hat and tunic; always cracking wise. Level 5; health 20; Armor 1
4	Sharp Blodwedd: carries a lute; talented minstrel and archer; hunts for food and foes. Level 4; archery, hunting, lute playing as level 6; two long-range bow attacks each round
5	Jon Garlic: laden with cookware; enjoys putting together huge feasts; poor rhymer. Level 4; cooking and foraging tasks as level 7; attacks twice with cast-iron frying pan each round
6	Whisp: tiny faerie creature with scarlet dragonfly wings; usually stays out of the way. Level 3; dodge as level 6 due to size; magical abilities provide others limited protection and flight

Adventure Seed: The captured PCs are released by an outlaw, who then asks the PCs to join them in their attack.