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Gear
All items that your character can use outside of their powers are classified as Gear. This section on Gear includes rules for party supplies, wealth, consumable items (Arcanotech), and permanent magical items (Artifacts).
Party Supplies
In Enigma, each dawn brings new mysteries, while each dusk recounts tales of daring adventures. This game combines the need for essential supplies—such as food, light, and tools—with a strong desire for exploration.
The introduction of the Party Supplies System offers a streamlined approach that keeps you prepared for adventure without the hassle of complicated inventory management. Imagine having access to a shared stockpile of essential items, ranging from a warm meal to the comforting glow of a torch in the dark.
This system emphasizes a fluid, shared resource that reflects the group’s readiness and adaptability, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure. A single die represents this: the Party Supplies Die.
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The party begins with a Party Supplies die, typically a d6, representing your collective stockpile of adventuring essentials. When you need to draw from your supplies, roll that die. A roll of 1 means your resources are dwindling, which reduces the die size (for example, from a d6 to a d4), indicating a decrease in supplies. Conversely, if you roll the maximum number, you've skillfully conserved or replenished your stock, allowing you to increase your die size (perhaps from a d6 to a d8).
Venturing into towns offers opportunities to enhance your Party Supplies die. You can trade tales of your adventures for essential items, ensuring you're well-prepared for future journeys. Discovering new supplies during your travels increases your resources and emphasizes the joy and significance of exploration, turning every find into a chance to extend your adventure.
This system focuses on the narratives woven throughout the world of Enigma, highlighting the camaraderie within your party and the challenges you've overcome rather than fixating on who carries the lantern oil. It's a method that celebrates the spirit of adventure, ensuring you're equipped for whatever wonders or challenges the world of Enigma has in store while always prioritizing exploration and the thrill of the unknown on your journey.
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Game Master: "Ahead of you lies a vast chasm, its depths lost to shadow. The other side is barely visible through the mist, but you can see an ancient tree with sturdy branches reaching out over the abyss. It's too far to jump, and falling would mean certain doom."
Player: "Could we use our Party Supplies (d6) to create a rope swing? We could attach it to one of those branches and swing across the chasm."
Game Master: "Intriguing idea! Let's see if you have the necessary materials in your Party Supplies. Roll the Party Supplies die to check."
The player rolls the Party Supplies (d6) die and gets a 6 (the maximum value).
Game Master: "Not only do you find a sturdy rope in your supplies, but you also discover a grappling hook that's perfect for securing the rope to the tree. With these tools, your plan is certainly feasible. Since you're making clever use of your Party Supplies, I'll give you advantage on the Navigate check needed to swing across. Also, you rolled the maximum value on your party supplies die increases by 1 size to a d8. Who's taking the lead on this Navigate check?"
Player: "I'll do it." The player rolls two Navigate dice, taking advantage of the situation, and rolls a 10.
Game Master: "With a confident throw, you hook the rope securely around the tree branch. You take a moment to steady yourself, then launch into the air. The rope holds firm, and you swing gracefully across the chasm to land safely on the other side. The way is now prepared for the rest of the party to follow. Well done!"
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Party Supplies checks can enhance your Enigma campaign without slowing down the story with unnecessary details. Here are some tips for effectively navigating the party supplies system:
Critical Needs: Call for a check during essential moments, such as navigating dark caves or enduring harsh weather, to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Use natural events as prompts, such as dwindling supplies during a long trek or environmental challenges threatening their resources.
Boosting Supplies Mid-Adventure: Incorporate supplies into the world and Hide them within the adventure to reward exploration and interaction. An old wagon might conceal supplies, or a grateful NPC could offer essential items.
Link to Challenges: Allow players to discover supplies as rewards for overcoming obstacles or solving puzzles. This approach deepens the gameplay experience.
Adaptability: Tailor the Party Supplies mechanic to fit the adventure's pace and setting, ensuring it enhances the narrative rather than hinders it.
Weave into the Narrative: Use the outcomes from supplies checks to introduce new plot elements or challenges, keeping the adventure engaging and dynamic.
This strategy focuses on adventure and exploration, enriching the player experience with strategic resource management that integrates seamlessly into the story’s flow.
Wealth
In Enigma, the richness of your journey stems not only from the stories you create and the challenges you face but also from the treasures you collect. To help you concentrate on the unfolding narrative instead of getting bogged down by counting coins, we've introduced the Wealth system. This new system transforms your collective riches into a simplified, point-based treasure trove.
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Imagine a treasure chest that expands as you collect coins through daring exploits and clever deals. This system converts your financial skills into wealth points, reflecting your party's economic prowess as you navigate the story of Enigma without micromanaging finances. Wealth points increase with each monster hoard discovered, quest completed, and deal struck. You’ll start with nothing, embarking on a rags-to-riches journey in search of fortune and glory.
This approach keeps the focus on adventure—rescuing allies, forging connections, and making discoveries—while integrating economic elements. Wealth points become opportunities: use them to replenish supplies, upgrade your gear, secure lodging, or establish powerful alliances. Each decision shapes your journey, balancing immediate needs with future ambitions, ultimately empowering you to craft your destiny in Enigma.
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Game Master: "As the sun sets over the ancient ruins, you stand before the vault you've spent days seeking. With a final push, the stone door grumbles open, revealing a room glittered with gold, ancient artifacts, and dusty tomes of forgotten lore. Among the treasure, you find a set of intricately crafted arcanotech gauntlets, rumored to be lost for centuries."
Player 1: "I carefully examine the gauntlets, looking for any signs of enchantment or traps."
Game Master: "Your keen eye and careful inspection pay off. The gauntlets are not only safe but also pulsate with powerful energy. These are the Gauntlets of Eldranor, worth a fortune to the right collector."
Player 2: "Let's catalog everything we can carry and make plans to sell these treasures. The gauntlets alone could fund our expeditions for years to come."
Game Master: "Your careful planning and the historic significance of your find earn you 8 Wealth Points. The Gauntlets of Eldranor, being a rare artifact, bring in an additional 5 points due to their rarity and the story attached to them. This haul marks a significant moment in your journey, reflecting both your bravery and wit."
Player 3: "We should also distribute some of the wealth to the local village. It will secure us allies and improve our reputation."
Game Master: "A wise and generous decision. You spend 2 Wealth Points to aid the village, ensuring their prosperity and earning their gratitude. News of your generosity spreads, enhancing your reputation as heroes of the people."
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How you earn your wealth will vary from table to table but below are a few examples of ways a mercenary might earn wealth in Enigma and the relative amount of Wealth Points such accomplishments are worth.
Completing a simple delivery task for a local contact
Trading a basic looted weapon with a street vendor
Selling a stash of low-grade drugs to a local dealer
Providing security for a minor event in a low-risk area
Completing a low-profile surveillance task for a Broker
Gathering basic intel on a small-time gang
Selling a minor enchanted item to a collector
Acting as a courier for classified documents across districts
Finding and selling a small cache of Exaltium scraps
Roughing up a rival’s lackeys to send a message
Providing security for a mid-level event in a moderate-risk area
Intercepting and stealing documents for a mid-tier Broker
Trading a valuable low-grade artifact with a pawn dealer
Acting as a bodyguard for a minor figure for a day
Running an illegal arcane tech transport job across districts
Completing a mid-tier information-gathering mission
Retrieving a minor Exaltium relic for a local faction
Selling salvaged parts from a damaged arcane device
Sourcing illegal components for a high-stakes heist team
Successfully bribing a low-level city official on behalf of a Broker
Assisting a Broker by hacking into low-security systems
Running protection for a weapon or artifact exchange
Recovering a looted high-quality weapon for sale
Carrying out a sabotage job on a rival business
Successfully transporting a high-value package across Nexus City
Leaking sensitive information to destabilize a competitor
Obtaining blackmail material on a minor public figure
Extracting information from a mid-level gang member
Completing a high-stakes information-gathering mission
Breaking a notable criminal out of a mid-security facility
Providing high-end security for an elite gathering
Selling a rare Exaltium sample to an underground dealer
Brokering a low-tier political favor for a small faction
Assisting with a covert heist on a high-security building
Acting as an escort for a high-profile figure across Nexus City
Completing a mid-level assassination contract for a Broker
Securing entry into an exclusive gathering on behalf of a Broker
Selling a unique enchanted weapon to a collector
Acquiring classified intel for a mid-tier Nexus City official
Running an entire district's supply chain under protection
Performing a heist on a high-value Exaltium storage unit
Assassinating a key operative for a powerful faction
Retrieving a critical artifact from a rival faction
Selling high-grade black-market tech to a secretive client
Setting up a Broker with exclusive intel on a competitor
Conducting a raid on a hidden Exaltium lab
Extracting a high-value target from a fortified location
Blackmailing a mid-tier Nexus City official for a Broker
Retrieving high-value arcane artifacts for a top-tier Broker
Trading military-grade Exaltium weaponry with a secret buyer
Setting up a major deal for a Broker with another city faction
Running a full-blown intel operation against a minor faction
Taking down a high-profile figure on a public stage
Engineering a large-scale cover-up for a powerful Broker
Organizing a major Exaltium supply chain for a faction
Acting as lead strategist on a Broker's offensive campaign
Securing high-end Exaltium technology from a rival lab
Brokering a mid-tier political favor for a wealthy client
Selling a powerful enchanted item to an influential elite
Coordinating a Nexus City faction's multi-day heist
Conducting blackmail operations against a city council member
Leading an extraction mission for a top-level city figure
Establishing a cover business for a Broker's criminal network
Orchestrating a hit on a high-profile gang leader
Setting up a Broker's secure base in Nexus City's elite district
Leading a full-scale raid on a rival Broker's safehouse
Overseeing a top-tier information network within Nexus City
Retrieving ancient arcane artifacts for a Broker's collection
Creating an Exaltium pipeline from Nexus City to rural areas
Securing a Nexus City elite's backing in an underground arena
Setting up a black-market operation for arcane weapons
Destroying a high-value, rival Broker's operation
Extorting a Nexus City council member for long-term gain
Seizing control of a significant district’s criminal activity
Retrieving a lost relic for the Nexus City elite council
Overseeing the creation of an illegal Exaltium refinery
Providing Nexus City council with classified enemy intel
Negotiating an alliance between rival Nexus City factions
Securing a Broker’s stronghold within Nexus City’s core
Negotiating the freedom of a high-profile political prisoner
Performing an elite security contract for a city-wide event
Engineering a corporate takeover for a Broker's enterprise
Running a Nexus City-wide drug distribution network
Securing a Nexus City faction's loyalty in exchange for wealth
Retrieving an Exaltium artifact that grants arcane power
Coordinating a high-level operation against city enforcement
Overseeing a top-tier resource mining operation
Securing a high-ranking Nexus City official as an informant
Running a citywide surveillance network for elite clients
Controlling trade negotiations between city factions
Setting up a city-wide protection racket for elites
Running Nexus City's Exaltium market through black-market deals
Establishing an influential private guard for Nexus City elite
Retrieving a legendary Exaltium weapon for an elite Broker
Overseeing Nexus City’s exclusive relic distribution network
Setting up a major political coup for a Broker's ascendance
Taking control of a Nexus City elite’s arcane tech company
Engineering high-stakes Nexus City diplomacy outcomes
Acting as the sole broker for Nexus City’s elite circle
Winning favor from the Nexus City elite council
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Game Master: "As the sun sets over the ancient ruins, you stand before the vault you've spent days seeking. With a final push, the stone door grumbles open, revealing a room glittered with gold, ancient artifacts, and dusty tomes of forgotten lore. Among the treasure, you find a set of intricately crafted arcanotech gauntlets, rumored to be lost for centuries."
Player 1: "I carefully examine the gauntlets, looking for any signs of enchantment or traps."
Game Master: "Your keen eye and careful inspection pay off. The gauntlets are not only safe but also pulsate with powerful energy. These are the Gauntlets of Eldranor, worth a fortune to the right collector."
Player 2: "Let's catalog everything we can carry and make plans to sell these treasures. The gauntlets alone could fund our expeditions for years to come."
Game Master: "Your careful planning and the historic significance of your find earn you 8 Wealth Points. The Gauntlets of Eldranor, being a rare artifact, bring in an additional 5 points due to their rarity and the story attached to them. This haul marks a significant moment in your journey, reflecting both your bravery and wit."
Player 3: "We should also distribute some of the wealth to the local village. It will secure us allies and improve our reputation."
Game Master: "A wise and generous decision. You spend 2 Wealth Points to aid the village, ensuring their prosperity and earning their gratitude. News of your generosity spreads, enhancing your reputation as heroes of the people."
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What you will spend your Wealth on will very from time to time, based on your needs, item availability and location. Here are some examples of what you can spend your wealth on including how many wealth points they might cost.
An increase in your Party Supplies Die
A single Fix-Stick
Two concert tickets for an underground arcane-punk band
A nice meal for two with drinks
A night’s stay in a modest inn
A low-quality Amp for a minor boost to one capacity
Basic spell components for common incantations
A simple charm or trinket with minor arcane energy
A day’s rent for a market stall to sell goods
Low-grade Exaltium crystals for powering minor gadgets
High-quality cloak for protection from the elements
A lavish meal for one at an upscale establishment
One enchanted bullet or energy cell for rare weapons
Week's worth of basic supplies (food, water)
Day rental of a low-end hovercraft in Nexus City
Portable Exaltium lamp for illumination in dark areas
A stylish outfit designed for the elite districts
A minor artifact for personal defense, like a shield charm
Custom-made disguise kit with prosthetics and clothing
Basic map and access codes for a low-security district
Access pass to an upscale social club for one night
Ticket to a major tournament or combat sports event
Rental of a Light Armor (one-time use) for a mission
Short-term contract with a reliable Fixer
A custom-fit ballistic vest or light armor equivalent
Advanced Amp (more substantial capacity boost for one skill)
An official document with forged identification
Personalized arcane tattoo with a mild protective charm
Payment for a minor spellcasting service
A minor alchemical item for enhancing physical prowess
A long weekend’s stay at a high-end hotel in Nexus City
Secure transport of a small item across Nexus City
One-week rental of a high-tech, low-profile vehicle
Basic Exaltium generator, sufficient to power a home
Custom Manifest Amplifier for stronger spell-casting
High-grade alchemical potions for enhanced performance
Rent a safehouse for one month in a secure neighborhood
High-end Fix-Stick for significant recovery
Full access to the Nexus City DataNet for one week
Moderate enchantment on a weapon or piece of armor
Personal bodyguard services for 24 hours
Charter a small aircraft for a single destination
Payment for minor information from a local Broker
Custom-built arcane pistol with two enchanted bullets
Minor, long-lasting artifact for self-defense
A small plot of land on the outskirts of Nexus City
Private investigator services for a high-risk area
Rare Exaltium power crystal to charge high-end tech
Long-term access pass for Nexus City’s high-security zones
Ownership of a modest apartment in a mid-tier district
Hire a skilled arcane crafter for custom enchantments
A week's access to a high-end arcane training facility
Discrete transport of contraband within Nexus City
Month's rental of a high-quality combat armor
A low-end arcane vehicle with a limited teleportation ability
Permit to operate a small business in a protected district
An evening’s hire of a mercenary team for a low-risk job
Custom spell infusion into a personal item or weapon
Favor from a minor figure in Nexus City's elite circles
High-grade Exaltium battery to power advanced machinery
A secure vault for valuables within a city bank
Personal quarters in a Nexus City elite district for one week
Payment to nullify a minor criminal record or infraction
Single-use powerful potion with unique or rare effects
Custom-crafted armor with moderate protective enchantments
A mid-range arcane vehicle with cloaking capabilities
A week’s worth of access to a private information broker
Long-term rental of a secure warehouse
Expertly forged documents to disguise identity
Payment to ensure favorable coverage in media outlets
Advanced combat armor equipped with limited mobility boost
Investment in a small business or local enterprise
A small team of expert Fixers to solve complex issues
Personal guard detail for a week
High-end safe house for a month in Nexus City
One-time teleportation to any location within Nexus City
Custom spell creation with mid-level power
Land deed to a plot in an influential Nexus City district
Personal favor from a mid-tier Nexus City politician
A rare Exaltium relic with unique minor abilities
Exclusive invitation to a secret gathering of Nexus City's elite
An entire month’s access to a top-tier arcane library
Custom-built, heavily enchanted suit of combat armor
Access to a high-level private arcane lab for spellcraft
A high-tier arcane vehicle with an extended teleportation ability
A small but powerful ally organization’s loyalty for one month
Membership in an elite social club with access to secret deals
Enchantment to enhance a single weapon with significant power
Ownership of a business in Nexus City’s commercial hub
Estate in a highly secure district with high-tech defenses
A significant favor from a powerful Nexus City official
Rare artifact with lasting, beneficial enchantments
Personal access to a high-security Nexus City portal
Unique spell or ability taught by a master mage
Deed to a small but profitable Exaltium mine
Control of a private airship with arcane weaponry
Arcane punk suit allowing sustained limited flight
Renown and title in Nexus City’s upper echelons
Ownership of a Nexus City skyscraper level with extensive benefits
Permanent access to the Nexus City elite council for consultationiption
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Game Master: "Back in the vibrant City of Marinth, after your daring escapade through the Whispering Caverns, you find yourselves with ample wealth points to spend. The city's market is alive with possibilities. How do you wish to proceed"?
Player 1: "I think we should upgrade our gear first. I'm interested in picking up some Bangs and Fixes”.
Game Master: "In Marinth, Bangs, and fixes will run you 1 Wealth Point each and there are 5 of each available to buy".
Player 2: "Great, we will take 3 of each, and let's not forget about securing a haven for ourselves. How much for that old tower at the city's edge"?
Game Master: "The tower, a place of strategic and mystical significance, can be yours for 30 Wealth Points. It offers not just a panoramic view of Marinth but also serves as a bastion of safety and a beacon for your burgeoning influence."
Player 3: "Done. Having our own stronghold will change everything."
Game Master: "Stocked up on Bangs and Fixes and the tower under your control, your status in Marinth rises. The tower, now bustling with activity, becomes a symbol of your achievements and a testament to your readiness for whatever challenges lie ahead. Mark off a total of 36 Wealth Points."
Arcanotech
The ancient art of magic combines with lost technology to create Arcanotech—unique consumable items that harness both arcane energies and technological expertise. They fall into three categories: Bangs, Fixes, and Amps. Bangs create explosive effects, Fixes offer emergency solutions, and Amps provide temporary enhancements, making them essential tools for adventurers in a mysterious and dangerous world.
Arcanotech items, found in forgotten ruins or secret markets, are valuable but single-use only. Adventurers must carefully decide when to use them. As they explore Enigma, their understanding of Arcanotech will grow, allowing for more strategic choices and showcasing their adaptability and ingenuity in navigating the remnants of a lost era. Adding Arcanotech to their arsenal showcases their survival instincts, adaptability, and ingenuity in facing the remnants of a bygone era.
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Arcanotech Bangs are volatile concoctions or devices designed for immediate explosive or impactful use. From grenades that unleash elemental storms to arcane bombs that distort time within their blast radius, Bangs delivers powerful effects that can alter the course of a battle or overcome formidable obstacles.
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Frags:A palm-sized orb that detonates on impact, sending shrapnel flying with lethal precision.Choose one space within 6 spaces of you. Every combatant in or adjacent to that space must succeed on a Navigate check against your attack die or take the difference in damage.
Smokes: This cylindrical device unleashes a dense, obscuring smoke upon detonation, clouding vision and disorienting foes. Choose one space within 6 spaces of you. The chosen space and each adjacent space break the line of sight until the end of your next turn.
Flash: A compact, high-intensity device that emits a blinding flash and a deafening bang, causing disorientation and temporary blindness.Choose a space within 6 spaces of you.Every combatant in or adjacent to that space must succeed on a Navigate check against your attack die or be considered Oblivious and have a disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of their next turn.
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These Arcanotech items are crafted to offer swift and practical solutions to adventurers' problems. Whether it's a salve that closes wounds with nanite precision or a scroll embedded with a spell that repairs damaged equipment, Fixes are essential for recovery and repair during or after encounters.
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A compact injector filled with a shimmering, quick-healing serum. When administered, the Fix rapidly mends wounds and soothes pain, restoring Escalation Life Point.
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Amps are designed to temporarily enhance a user's abilities, boosting their physical and magical capacities. An Amp might be a potion that heightens one's agility and strength through alchemical and nano-infused synergies or a rune-engraved device that amplifies magical powers. Taking the same Amp more than once per rest will put you in mortal peril. You can only have one Amp active at a time.
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Grind:When injected, a syringe filled with a metallic gel fortifies the body's endurance, turning pain into mere background noise.Increase your Endure die size by 1 until the next rest.
Blaze: Compact pills that, once taken, sharpen the senses and quicken the reflexes, perfect for navigating through chaos. Increase your Navigate die size by 1 until the next rest.
Silver: A liquid ampoule for sublingual application, boosting one's charm and Influence to manipulative heights. Increase your Influence die size by 1 until the next rest.
Eagle: Eye drops that dilate perception and cognitive processing, granting superhuman insight and awareness. Increase your Glean die size by 1 until the next rest.
Spark: A gritty powder inhaled directly, enhancing the user's control over magical energies and arcanotech interfaces. Increase your Maniest die size by 1 until the next rest.
Fury: A fierce inhalant that triggers an adrenaline surge, dramatically amplifying aggressive and combat instincts. Increase your Attack die size by 1 until the next rest.
Armor
In Enigma, armor serves as a protective layer and an essential defense against combat hazards. It grants Armor Points (AP), which function as additional life points that absorb damage before it impacts a character's main health. Armor can also influence a character's base speed. This system provides a clear and strategic approach to defense, enabling players to make informed decisions about their durability and speed.
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Each tier of armor provides Armor Points (AP), which absorb damage before impacting the wearer's overall health. When a character wearing armor takes damage during combat, their Armor Points are reduced first. Once the armor's AP reaches zero, the character begins to take damage directly to their Life Points. Armor Points are restored only after the character has fully rested.
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Enigma has five distinct tiers of armor: Unarmored, Ballistic Weave, Flak Armor, Plated Armor, and Exoskeleton. Each tier provides different amounts of Armor Points, effects speed, and requires a specific base Endure die to equip.
Feel free to get creative with your character's appearance! For instance, if you have a d12 Endure die and wish to wear tier 4 armor while imagining your character battling enemies in a tank top, that works perfectly! You can choose tier 4 armor, and instead of using an exoskeleton, you might opt for an arcanotech shield or an exaltium skin implant that suits your character's style.
Unarmored: Characters without armor have no additional protection and rely solely on their agility and skill to avoid damage.
Minimum Endure Die: d4
Bonus: + 2 to Speed
Ballistic Weave: Woven with arcane-infused fibers, Ballistic Weave provides light but effective protection against basic attacks. It is ideal for characters who prioritize mobility with a modest layer of defense.
Minimum Endure Die: d6
Bonus: +1 to Speed; 1 Armor Point
Flak Armor: Reinforced with protective sigils and layered materials, Flak Armor is designed for front-line combatants. It absorbs greater impact while allowing for reasonable movement, suited to characters expecting close-quarters skirmishes.
Minimum Endure Die: d8
Bonus: +2 Armor Points
Plated Armor: Plated Armor combines heavy plating with advanced arcane tech, providing formidable defense. This armor is a reliable choice for those who seek resilience and are willing to endure reduced agility in exchange for enhanced protection.
Minimum Endure Die: d10
Bonus: -1 to Speed; +3 Armor Points
Exoskeleton: A full-bodied suit powered by arcane energy, the Exoskeleton turns the wearer into a walking fortress. Offering unparalleled protection, it allows its users to withstand immense punishment at the cost of reduced flexibility. Only those with the highest endurance can effectively wear this armor.
Required Endure Die: d12
Bonus: - 2 to Speed; +4 Armor Points