INTRODUCTION

This Tome is a compilation of fantasy-based Clichés for use in S. John Ross’ Risus: The Anything RPG. You may find the rules at: http://www222.pair.com/sjohn/risus.htm.

The goal is to give players an over-abundance of choices for character creation as well as for use in their games as conflicts. All of the selections are themed towards serious and/or semi-serious fantasy. These are all optional, use what you want.

CHARACTER CREATION RECOMMENDATION

• Characters are built using 10 dice for Clichés.
• Recommended Advanced Options include; Lucky Shots, Hooks & Tales, Pumps, Character Advancement, Questing Dice, Shield-mates, and Deadly Combat.
• Please choose the Race, Class, and/or Profession for your character.

RACES

The following list contains standard fantasy races as well as some fantastical species. I chose some of the more humanoid types available. They may be used to create your character or for use as a NPC or monster encounter. With GM permission you can choose whatever is fitting for the setting involved.

• Anubian: Black jackal-headed humanoid from the deserts
• Bat Folk: Head and wings of a bat; might have echolocation
• Bird Man: Head and wings of a bird; such as, Hawk, Raven, Sparrow, Eagle, etc.
• Cat Folk: Feline humanoid; such as, Lion, Tiger, Panther, Cheetah, Jaguar, etc
• Centaur: Body of a horse, torso of a man, roam the plains
• Demi-God: Descendant of a deity; choose God/Goddess of War, Love, Knowledge, Seas, Thunder, etc
• Dragon-Blooded: Descendant of a dragon; choose type of dragon, Red (fire), Black (acid), Blue (lightning), White (frost), etc.
• Dwarf: Short, stubborn, bearded miners that dwell beneath mountains and masters of stonework
• Elf: Long-lived, haughty, masters of arcane work; choose type, Wood, High, Dark, etc.
• Fairy: Tiny winged magical fey pranksters
• Fish Man: Fish humanoids, breath air or water
• Frog Man: Frog humanoids, incredible leap and quick tongue
• Gear-Forged: Animated mechanical humanoid
• Gnoll: Hyena-headed humanoids
• Gnome: Short, inquisitive; choose type, Forest, Gadget, etc.
• Goblin: Small, pointy eared; types Cave, Forest, Swamp, etc.
• Half-Celestial: Celestial descendant; choose how it manifests
• Half-Demon: Demon descendant, types; Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, Pride, Envy, Lust, Greed, etc.
• Half-Giant: Large humanoids, types: Fire, Frost, Hill, Sea, etc
• Half-Orc: Orc-human hybrid, strong but not as bloodthirsty Halfling: Small, stealthy, light-fingered, enjoy comforts
• Hobgoblin: Disciplined, martial warriors, man height goblinoids
• Human: Adaptable and diverse. Add 1 Dice to a Cliché.
• Insect Man: Insect humanoid, such as; Ant, Spider, Mantis, Beetle, etc.
• Kobold: Small reptile humanoid, worship dragons
• Lizard Man: Reptilian humanoid, dwell in jungles, swamps, etc.
• Minotaur: Large bull-headed humanoids
• Mushroom Folk: Mushroom creatures of all shapes and sizes
• Orc: Savage brutes, tough, bloodthirsty; types, Forest, Cave, Swamp, Desert, Tundra, etc.
• Rat Man: Small, stealthy; types, Mouse Folk, Rat Kin Serpent Man: Devious, demon worshippers, could have serpent lower torsos or just scaly skin or other variation
• Shapeshifter: Transform into other beast or hybrid, choose what type; Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Shark, Boar, etc
• Wolf Man: Wolf humanoid, types; mountain, plains, forest, etc.

CLASSES

A Class represents your character’s path in life. You may choose one or more of these Clichés to define your character. Included are some Tools of the Trade, though none of these are mandatory, please choose or change as you desire. I have divided them up into categories; Martial (specializing in weapons and combat), Skill (utilize talents and abilities), Divine (associated with a faith), and Magic (access the winds of magic). Some may even be considered a combination of different categories, but that is between you and your GM to interpret.

MARTIAL

• Amazon: From a nation of female warriors. Tools: Spear, bow, shield, javelins
• Archer: Shoots with a bow and arrow. Tools: Long bow, short bow, arrows
• Barbarian: Primitive savage, from wild untamed lands. Tools: Great-axe, Great-sword, loin cloth, fur cape
• Berserker: A warrior that fights in a frenzied rage in battle. Tools: Hand-axes, horned helmet
• Blade Dancer: Nimble fighter that performs dance of death. Tools: Blades, more blades
• Cavalier: A haughty mounted soldier. Tools: Rapier, wide-brimmed hat, horse
• Champion: First among peers in combat, often through competitions. Tools: Expert weapons and armor
• Dragoon: Heavily armed cavalry troop. Tools: Heavy armor, lance, warhorse
• Duelist: Participates in contests with deadly weapons. Tools: Rapier, short sword, half-cape
• Fighter: A person with the courage to fight. Tools: Melee and ranged weapon, armor, shield
• Gladiator: A fighter of the public arena for entertainment. Tools: Helmet, sword, net, spear
• Guardian: Defender of a person or place. Tools: Heavy armor, sword, shield
• Gunner: Operator of a gun or cannon. Tools: Rifle, pistol, grenades, cannon
• Knight: A soldier of high social rank. Tools: Heavy armor, sword, warhorse
• Lancer: Cavalry unit known for devastating mounted charges. Tools: Armor, lance, warhorse
• Marksman: A skilled shooter of gun or bow. Tools: Long bow, rifle, special ammunition
• Ninja: Secretive assassin trained in martial arts. Tools: Katana, black outfit, throwing blades
• Pit Fighter: A fighter for entertainment in cages or pits. Tools: Spiked gauntlets, spiked chain
• Raider: Soldier trained for hostile invasions. Tools: Axe, hammer, shield, javelin
• Samurai: Elite warrior of the martial arts. Tools: katana, naginata, heavy armor
• Savage: Uncivilized fierce warrior. Tools: Bone club, stone axe, flint dagger
• Sharpshooter: Proficient in ranged attacks. Tools: Sniper rifle, elite long bow
• Viking: A berserk raiding warrior. Tools: Armor, axe, shield
• Warrior: Skilled in battle. Tools: Sword, axe, hammer, armor
• Weapon Master: Highly trained in the use of martial weaponry. Tools: Expertly crafted weapons

SKILL

• Assassin: Murderer, whether for hire or as a fanatic. Tools: Poison, garrote, dagger
• Beast-master: Controls wild animals, using them as allies. Tools: Whip, collars, rope, animals
• Buccaneer: A type of pirate raiding island colonies. Tools: Cutlass, pistol
• Falconer: Trains and hunts with hawks and falcons. Tools: Falcon or hawk
• Hunter: Hunts wild animals or other creatures. Tools: Bow, sword, traps
• Infiltrator: Secretly pass into or through. Tools: Disguise, dagger, dark cloak
• Monk: Member of a monastery and practitioner of the martial arts. Tools: Simple clothes, nunchaku, kama
• Pirate: Type of thief who attacks and steals by ship at sea. Tools: Cutlass, pistol, peg-leg, eye-patch
• Privateer: Legalized sailor to attack and rob other ships. Tools: Boarding axe, cutlass, pistol
• Ranger: Warrior skilled in fighting through wild terrain. Tools: Long bow, sword, animal ally
• Rogue: Immoral person seeking personal satisfaction, thieving or killing as desired. Tools: Cloak, dagger, crossbow
• Shadow Walker: Can step through shadows. Tools: Dark clothes
• Swashbuckler: Daring warrior and adventurer. Tools: Cape, wide-brimmed hat, rapier
• Thief: Robber of wealth. Tools: Soft-sole shoes, black cloak, dagger
• Thug: Violent and brutal ruffian. Tools: Club, sap
• Tunnel Rat: A stealthy lurker of underground tunnels. Tools: Short sword, crossbow, lantern

DIVINE

• Cleric: Defenders of their faith. Tools: Holy symbol, holy water, divine armor
• Crusader: Sanctioned knight by religious order to perform an aggressive expedition. Tools: Well used armor and weapons
• Demon Hunter: Dedicated destroyer of demonic entities. Tools: Hand crossbow, holy weapons
• Exorcist: Banishes demons. Tools: Holy water, holy weapons
• Inquisitor: Harsh questioner for an organization. Tools: Black clothes, sword, torches
• Oracle: Spoken through by a deity or otherworldly being. Tools: Robes, divining tools
• Paladin: Champion knight for a religious order. Tools: Holy armor and weaponry, warhorse
• Priest: Religious leader to perform ceremonies and healing. Tools: Holy staff and symbol, candles, prayer book
• Prophet: A holy man who speaks for his deity. Tools: Holy books, scrolls, loose robes
• Templar: A holy knight of a religious order. Tools: Armor, sword, shield, tabard
• Vampire Hunter: Dedicated to slaying vampires. Tools: Holy water, crosses, stakes
• Witch Hunter: Dedicated to slaying witches/warlocks. Tools: Holy weapons, charms

MAGIC

• Archmage: Master of the arcane arts. Tools: Dagger, grimoire
• Artificer: Maker of magic items. Tools: Spell components
• Bard: A musical performer who aids allies with magical music. Tools: Lute, mandolin, harp, book of songs and heroic poems
• Blood Mage: Use blood to perform magic. Tools: Dagger, goblet
• Chronomancer: Master of time. Tools: Clock, hourglass
• Conjuror: A type of magician that conjures forth magical entities and spirits. Tools: Robes, spell components, familiar/homunculus
• Diviner: A prophet and soothsayer. Tools: Crystal ball, knuckle bones, tarot deck
• Dream-walker: Invade dreams. Tools: Sleeping potions
• Druid: Loyal friend to nature and animals, using nature magic to defend them. Tools: Staff, hide armor, animal allies
• Elementalist: Type of magic-user the calls upon the elements for spells. Tools: Staff, robes, items pertaining to element
• Enchanter: Type of magic-user that enhances items and people. Tools: Robes, staff, magic dusts and powders
• Geomancer: Magic-user using energy of the land. Tools: Rock weapons and tools
• Hedge Wizard: Poor wizard from the country side. Tools: Tattered robes, gnarled staff, old spellbook
• Illusionist: Magic-user specializing in illusory effects. Tools: Mask, wand, robes
• Mage: Black Mage, White Mage, Red Mage. Tools: Wands, staves, robes
• Magic-User: Performer of magic. Tools: Robes, pointy hat, wand
• Mystic: Knowledge of occult and esoteric mysteries. Tools: Loose robes, bone fetishes
• Necromancer: Magic-user specializing in dealing with the dead. Tools: Dark robes, bone staff, skeleton ally
• Psion: Uses telepathic and mental powers. Tools: Circlets
• Puppet-Master: Animate figures, puppets, objects. Tools: Wood working tools, puppets
• Pyromancer: Magic-user specializing in the use of fire. Tools: Staff, wands, robes
• Runecaster: Carve runes that bind magic to items. Tools: Hammer, chisel, charcoal, ink
• Shadow Mage: Can control shadows and darkness. Tools: Dark clothing, dagger
• Shaman: Tribal magic-user. Tools: Feather and fetish clothing and mask
• Sorcerer: Person delving into dark magic. Tools: Dark robes, dagger, evil wands
• Summoner: Magic-user specializing in conjuring magical entities. Tools: Staff, wands, robes
• Warlock: Magic-user specializing in dealing with demonic entities. Tools: Robes with demonic imagery, vile staff
• Witch: Creates curses and hexes. Tools: Broom, pointy hat, black cat, cauldron
• Wizard: Magic-user that has excelled in all forms of magic. Tools: Robes, pointy hat, staff, spellbook

PROFESSIONS

Along with a character’s Race and Class, they may have a career which they pursue. This can represent a job they perform for monetary gain or as a means to expand more of their background and history prior to adventuring. Some of these Clichés could easily be a Class as well if desired.

• Acolyte: A follower of a deity, good or evil. Tools: Holy symbol, holy water, prayer book
• Acrobat: Skilled performer with great balance and agility. Tools: Balancing staff, performance costume
• Alchemist: Brews potions and magical concoctions. Tools: Vials, chemicals, potions
• Animal Handler: Keeper of common or rare animals. Tools: Ropes, chains, harnesses
• Apothecary: Seller of herbs and medicines. Tools: Vials, herbs
• Archaeologist: Digger of ancient relics. Tools: Shovels, picks
• Armourer: Smith specializing in armor. Tools: Hammer, anvil, tongs, crucible
• Astronomer: Studies the stars. Tools: Telescope, star charts
• Baker: Cooks breads and sweets. Tools: Kitchen utensils
• Bandit: Type of thief to prey on the unfortunate. Tools: Scimitar, crossbow
• Banker: Counts coins and stores wealth. Tools: Spectacles, balance, ledgers
• Barber: Cuts hair. Tools: Scissors, razors, mirror
• Blacksmith: Forge works from iron, metal, etc. Tools: Hammer, tongs, anvil
• Boatman: Charter a small boat for transportation. Tools: Ropes, small boat
• Bounty Hunter: Hunts outlaws for a reward. Tools: Manacles, crossbow, sword
• Brewer: Brews and sells fermented beverages. Tools: Vats, kegs, mugs
• Builder: Assembles and constructs structures. Tools: Hammer, nails, saws, schematics
• Butcher: Slices and dices animals for the meat market. Tools: Knives, saws
• Cartographer: Maker of maps. Tools: Scrolls, paper, ink, compass
• Clock Maker: Builds clockwork devices. Tools: Small tools, magnifying glass
• Coachman: Transports people via carriages. Tools: Well dressed, carriage or coach with team of horses.
• Cobbler: Manufactures shoes. Tools: Blades, string, leather
• Craftsman: Maker of goods. Tools: Depends on craft; carpentry, cobbler, baker, leatherworker, etc.
• Cultist: Devoted to occult practices and deities. Tools: Robes, vile holy symbol, bloody dagger
• Cutpurse: A type of thief known for cutting purses from a person’s belt. Tools: Dark clothes, dagger
• Engineer: An expert in the use and construction of mechanical devices. Tools: Goggles, tools, apron, schematics
• Entertainer: This could be a dancer, juggler, or other performer. Tools: Flamboyant clothes, tools needed to perform with
• Explorer: Investigator of unknown lands. Tools: Torches, shovels, rope, hammer, crowbar
• Ferryman: Carries passengers across rivers. Tools: Ropes, ferry
• Fisherman: Catcher of seafood. Tools: Fishing tackle, fishing pole, small boat
• Florist: Seller of flowers. Tools: Pruning shears, small shovel
• Freebooter: A sailor in search of plunder. Tools: Boarding axe, pistol, sack
• Frontiersman: Surviving along sparsely settled regions. Tools: Fur clothes, woodsman axe
• Gravedigger: Digs plots for burying the dead. Tools: Shovel
• Guard: Protect and watch over an area. Tools: Armor, sword, crossbow
• Healer: Practitioner of the healing arts. Tools: Potions, herbs, bandages
• Herbalist: Grows or sells herbs to treat illness. Tools: Sack of herbs, pruning shears
• Highwayman: Type of thief that stopped road travelers to rob them. Tools: Mask, cloak, rapier
• Inn Keeper: Proprietor of an inn or tavern. Tools: Ledger
• Jester: A fool used to amuse people with silly performances. Tools: Motley clothes, jester hat, mask
• Jeweler: Cuts and refines gems. Tools: Blades, picks, magnifying glass
• Leather Worker: Specializes in working leather. Tools: Blades, shears, dyes
• Legionnaire: Member of a military legion of well-drilled soldiers. Tools: Armor, large shield, spear
• Librarian: Custodian of a library. Tools: Ledger, stamps
• Locksmith: Engineer of locks. Tools: Small tools, keys
• Magician: Performer of tricks and sleight of hand. Tools: Stage clothes, tall hat, wand
• Mariner: Navigator of ships, explorer to colonize foreign lands. Tools: Marlin spike, rope, sextant, compass
• Mercenary: Soldier paid to fight in a nation’s army. Tools: Salvaged armor and weapons
• Merchant: Seller of wares, either from a shop or a caravan. Tools: Mule, cart, goods to sell
• Messenger: Deliver messages for a price. Tools: Scroll-cases
• Miner: Digger of rare ores and precious gems. Tools: Picks, shovels, hammers
• Minstrel: Hired musician for nobles. Tools: Musical instrument
• Outlaw: Lawless fugitive hiding away from justice. Tools: Dirty clothes, motley armor and weapons
• Pathfinder: Leads the way for others to find best way to travel unknown lands. Tools: Light hunting garb, short bow
• Porter: Carries heavy loads for customers. Tools: Backpack, sack, handcart
• Puppet Master: Performs plays using wooden puppets. Tools: Puppets, string, stage props
• Road Warden: Guard of well traveled roads. Tools: Uniform, basic weapons, horse
• Sage: A wise philosopher and bearer of knowledge. Tools: Books, scrolls, parchment
• Sailor: Traveler of the seas. Tools: Rope, marlin spike, knife, fishing gear
• Sawbones: Unsophisticated surgeon and healer. Tools: Scalpel, bone saws, bandages
• Scribe: Transcribes documents and books. Tools: Paper, scrolls, ink pens
• Scholar: Student and teacher of academics. Tools: Books, ink, quill, glasses, satchel
• Scoundrel: A disreputable miscreant. Tools: Ragged clothes, dagger
• Scout: Explorer sent to obtain information about area or enemy. Tools: Spyglass, signal whistle, camouflaged cloak
• Sea Dog: Grizzled veteran sailor. Tools: Salty tattered clothes, dagger, blackjack
• Smuggler: Import or export illegally to avoid paying duties. Tools: Sword, dark clothes, large sack
• Soldier: Enlisted military member. Tools: Sword, shield and armor marked by garrison
• Spy: Secretly try to gain information about an organization. Tools: Disguises, dagger, cloak
• Squire: Attendant to a knight. Tools: Sword, shield
• Stable Keeper: Feed and care for mounts in stalls. Tools: Ropes, harnesses
• Stone Mason: Shapes structures from stone. Tools: Hammer, chisels
• Tailor: Designs fine clothing. Tools: Scissors, tape measure
• Town Crier: Delivers news vocally. Tools: Scroll, message
• Toy Maker: Builds small toys for girls and boys. Tools: Small tools, paints/dyes
• Translator: Provides a service for diplomats who speak different languages. Tools: Scrolls/books of a language
• Trapper: Hunter utilizing snares and other devices to catch wild animals. Tools: Traps, bow, rope
• Watchman: Sentry of a town, outpost, etc. Tools: Torch, signal whistle, weapon, spy glass
• Woodsman: Gathers lumber for craft or sale. Tools: Axe, saws

BESTIARY

Monsters, creatures, animals and other races will often be drawn into conflict with characters. Here is a list of some of those that may inhabit your game. Perhaps these are monsters, allies, or even playable Races. The choice is up to you and the GM.

• Ape-man: Man-sized carnivorous primates
• Automaton: Artificial, mechanical animated beings
• Basilisk: Giant reptile turns foes into stone with its gaze
• Bugbear: Large goblinoid, they bully the weak
• Carnivorous Plant: Large man-eating plants or vines
• Chimera: Dragon, Lion, and Goat heads with dragon wings
• Cyclops: One-eyed giant
• Demon: Can be just about any shape or size or type
• Dinosaur: Colossal reptiles of an ancient time
• Dire Animal: Larger and meaner than regular animals
• Dragon: All types, gargantuan winged reptiles
• Dryad: Fey female spirit bound to a type of tree
• Elemental: Element incarnations; Air, Earth, Fire, Water
• Ettin: A two-headed giant
• Gargoyle: Resemble winged demon statues but are alive
• Ghost: Spirit of a once-living creature
• Ghoul: Undead corpse eaters
• Giant: All types, colossal in size
• Giant Animal: All types, bat, boar, eagle, lizard, rat, etc.
• Gnoll: Feral hyena-like humanoids worship demons
• Golem: Magic construct; Clay, Flesh, Bronze, Stone
• Green Slime: Translucent ooze that digests nearly everything
• Gremlin: Tiny creatures that love tricks and being a nuisance
• Griffon: Body of a lion; forelegs, head, wings of an eagle
• Harpy: Torso and head of a woman, legs and wings of a vulture
• Hell Hound: Big fire-breathing hounds
• Hippogriff: Body of a horse; forelegs, head, wings of an eagle
• Hydra: Colossal reptile with multiple heads
• Kraken: Titanic monster of the deep
• Lich: Very powerful undead sorcerer
• Manticore: Lion body, dragon wings, shoots spikes from tail
• Medusa: Serpent-hair; turns others to stone if gazed at
• Merfolk: Human torso, lower body of a fish
• Mind Flayer: Tentacles on face, cruel psychics
• Mummy: Undead sheathed with funeral linen wrapping
• Ogre: Monstrous hungry humanoids
• Ooze: Toxic gelatinous sludge that dissolves anything
• Pegasus: Majestic winged horses
• Roc: Gigantic bird of prey
• Satyr: Male human with lower bodies and hooves of a goat
• Skeleton: Undead skeleton animated with dark magic
• Treant: Awakened sentient trees
• Troll: Regenerate, large, dwell in caves and swamps
• Unicorn: Magical horses with a spiraled horn on their brow
• Vampire: Night dwelling drinker of blood
• Warg: Large goblin-wolf hybrid used as mounts
• Wight: Undead possessing dark ambitions of former life
• Will-o’-Wisp: Balls of light lure creatures into danger
• Wraith: Incorporeal spirit of malice
• Wyvern: Dragon-like wings and two legs, poison stinger on tail
• Yeti: Large white-furred monsters of snow-capped mountains
• Zombie: Undead animated remains of a humanoid