Lights Out - The Roleplaying Game (demo)

Written by Nathan Reese Maher under publication of Nightingale Publishing; an
independently owned game company. No portion of this book, except for brief quotation,
may be reproduced in any form without permission from the author.
First Printing: June 2017
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9903201-4-2
Product Number: NPLO0003
Initial Credits
Written by: Nathan Reese Maher
Artwork & Layout by: Tobias Benjamin White
Editors: Sarah Strege
LIGHTS OUT and the Nightingale Publishing logo are protected under the copyright
laws of the United States of America. Any reproductions or unauthorized use of the
contents herein including, but not limited to, artwork and text is prohibited without
written permission from Nathan Reese Maher or Nightingale Publishing. In the event, and
most likely scenario, where this product will be pirated or illegally distributed, please
link to our website or product page for means of donation or review. We’re a small
independent press and every little bit helps. This book is a work of fiction and any
similarity to actual people, organizations, places or events is purely coincidental.

This book is inspired by music from:
The Birthday Massacre
This book is based on the:
“Lights Out” Children’s Chapter Book Series
This game was made possible due to the generous donations of our backers on
Kickstarter. Thank you for making this a reality and for all your words of encouragement.
Kickstarter Backers
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Magically a name
appears Jevin
Pierson
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Table of Contents
PLAYERS’ GUIDE
Introduction
Welcome to Lights Out
Roles
Character Creation
Advancement
Role-Playing
Example of Role-Playing
Chapter 1 - Character Statistics
Ability Scores
Attributes
Character Shield
Defenses
Status Bar
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Building Friendship
Applewood
Notable Kids
STORYTELLER’S GUIDE
Chapter 7 - Telling a Story
Coming of Age
Character Goals
Developing a Story Plot
Storytelling Aides
NPCs
Example of How to Build a Story
Revealing Locations
Rewards
Storyteller Tips
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Chapter 2 - Kit Types & Circles
Kid Types
Circles
Circle Types
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Chapter 8 - Playing the Game
Challenges
Aiding Others
Hazards
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Chapter 3 - Skills
Skill List
Skill Descriptions
Chapter 4 - Patches
What is the SOK Market?
It Feels Heavy...
Gaining Patches
The Power Roll
Patch Descriptions
Chapter 5 - Items
What are Items?
Item Exchange
Chapter 6 - Setting
A Post-Parentless World
Surviving
Kids and Age
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Chapter 9 - Combat
The Reaction Roll
Actions
Defending
Dealing Damage
Tactics
Chapter 10 - Dark Side of Applewood
The Disappearance
The Boogeyman’s Agenda
Notable Bullies
The Shadow Self
Dimensions
Chapter 11 - Clubhouse
Statistics
Resources
Character Bonuses
Clubhouse Membership
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Clubhouse Maintenance
Missions
Starting a Clubhouse
Chapter 12 - Magic Items
Identifying Magical Items
When to Give Out Magical Items
Bad Luck
What Bonuses Should be Given?
Magical Items
Chapter 13 - Creatures
Creature Types
Items of Note
Talents
Optional: Affinity/Weakness
How to Quickly Generate a Creature
Animals
Faeries
Monsters
Spooks
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Pg. 264
Pg. 266
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Pg. 385
APPENDIX
Character Sheet
Clubhouse Sheet
Creature Sheet
INDEX
TABLES
TABLE I.1: - AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT BY AGE AND GENDER
TABLE 1.1 - ADVANCEMENT
TABLE 1.2 – AVERAGE CHARACTER LEVEL BY AGE
TABLE 1.3 - BRAVERY BONUS FROM KID TYPES
TABLE 2.1 - POPULAR KID TRAITS
TABLE 2.2 - FRINGE KID TRAITS
TABLE 2.3 - ATHLETIC KID TRAITS
TABLE 2.4 - NERD/GEEK KID TRAITS
TABLE 2.5 - LONER KID TRAITS
TABLE 3.1 - SKILL POINTS GAINED
TABLE 3.2 – SKILL LIST
TABLE 4.1 – COMMONLY KNOWN PATCHES
TABLE 5.1 - VALUE OF CANDY
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Pg. 116

TABLE 5.2 - WEAPONS
TABLE 5.3 - COST OF WEAPON BONUSES
TABLE 5.4 - CLOTHES
TABLE 5.5 - COST OF PROTECTION BONUSES FOR CLOTHES
TABLE 5.6 - RESOURCES
TABLE 5.7 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
TABLE 5.8 – TRANSPORTATION
TABLE 5.9 - BADGES
TABLE 5.10 - BADGE MODIFIERS
TABLE 7.1 - ITEM REWARDS
TABLE 7.2 - ITEM TYPE
TABLE 8.1 - MATERIAL STRENGTHS
TABLE 8.2 - MOOD CHART
TABLE 8.3 – CHALLENGE LEVELS
TABLE 8.4 – ADVANCED CHALLENGE LEVELS
TABLE 8.5 - BULLY & MONSTER CHALLENGE LEVEL
TABLE 8.6 – LIGHT CONCEALMENT & AWARE SKILL PENALTIES
TABLE 8.7 - LIGHT PROTECTION
TABLE 8.8 - SCARY THINGS
TABLE 8.9 – SUGGESTED WEATHER HAZARDS
TABLE 8.10 – TRAVELING SPEED
TABLE 9.1 – ACTION SUMMARY
TABLE 9.2 – CONCEALMENT CHART
TABLE 9.3 - TACTICS SUMMARY
TABLE 10.1 - RESEARCH POINTS EXAMPLES
TABLE 10.2 - EDUCATION BONUSES
TABLE 10.3 - LUCK BONUSES
TABLE 10.4 – THINGS THAT CAUSE UNHAPPINESS
TABLE 10.5 - HAPPINESS BONUSES
TABLE 10.6 - HEALTH BONUSES
TABLE 10.7 - SECURITY BONUSES
TABLE 10.8 - ABILITY SCORE BONUSES
TABLE 10.9 - LIGHT BONUSES
TABLE 10.10 - PROTECTION BONUSES
TABLE 10.11 - RESOURCE PRODUCTION BONUS PER DAY
TABLE 10.12 - BRAVERY BONUS
TABLE 10.13 - CULTURE BONUS
TABLE 10.14 - ORGANIZATION BONUSES
TABLE 10.15 - CLUBHOUSE ENCOUNTER TABLE
TABLE 10.16 - MISSION SUMMARIES
TABLE 10.17 - IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY
TABLE 10.18 - TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
TABLE 12.1 - CREATURE TALENTS
TABLE 12.2 - SIZE ADJUSTMENTS (BIG/SMALL)
TABLE 12.3 - SIZE ADJUSTMENTS (GAUNT/GIRTH)
Pg. 117
Pg. 118
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Pg. 312

PLAYERS’ GUIDE

Introduction
“Hi! I’m Shelly Wynn. Things have gotten pretty
out of control around here. Before ‘Lights Out’, I was a
normal 13-year old girl. I had a perfect relationship with
my parents, especially my mom. She supported me in
everything I did. In school I was great at math and science.
I was also the best runner on the 8 th -grade track team. My
dad said it was because of my Wynn attitude and my long
legs. I think it was a little more than that. You won’t
believe how hard I’ve practiced! My schedule was loaded with gymnastics and ballet.
In my spare time, I loved to hula-hoop. The day before it happened, I was challenged
by Lydia Gaines – my arch nemesis – to a race the next day. Everyone was psyched
about it, even my best friend. When tomorrow came… all the adults disappeared,
including my parents.
Without grown-ups, there wasn’t any school. It was so eerie because the radio
went quiet, no one was on TV, and the streets were empty. Once night time hit,
electricity shut off. No one knew how to fix it! I didn’t realize how much I relied upon
adults for things. I had to find my own food, cook my own meals, do my own laundry
– do you know how hard it is to do laundry when the washing machine doesn’t work?!
But that was the least of my problems. Kids did whatever they wanted which meant
that bullies got even meaner. If you thought that losing your lunch money was bad,
imagine when someone takes all your food that you just found and you’ve haven’t had
anything to eat since the day before.
One good thing that has come out of this, is we all have powers now! Some of
us can fly, others can control animals, cause things to float in the air like balloons
or even hopscotch to other worlds. And wow… do we need them. There are now
monsters in my hometown! They hunt us at night and, if we don’t keep the lights on
then we are in deep trouble! But as long as we have each other, things are going to
be okay.
It’s scary out there. We can’t lose ourselves to the darkness. We have to
fight. Don’t worry, I have your back. It may be ‘Lights Out’, there may be something
scratching at the door, but you know what – we got this. Take my hand and together
we’ll have an adventure that you’ll never forget.”
In this tabletop role-playing game you are a child who wakes up in a world
without grown-ups. It’s a world without rules, school or a bedtime. You’re now on
your own and have to fend for yourself. On top of all your new-found freedom, you
also have some pretty neat superpowers. How cool is that?
Not everything is as great as it sounds, though. Without parents the electricity
has shut off, there’s no one to fix dinner, and there’s no one to stop you from getting
sick on too much candy. Weird things keep happening, the bullies are out of control
and there are monsters that come out at night.
9

Introduction
In “Lights Out”, you can decide the type of kid you want to be. Are you going to
protect those younger than you? Are you going to build a clubhouse and let only your
friends join? Are you going to investigate the disappearances? Will you face down
the scary creatures that howl from the dark? Everything is up to you. It’s time to
roll up your sleeves, put your best foot forward and show the city what you’re made
of.
WHAT IS A ROLE-PLAYING GAME?
Imagine reading your favorite book, but instead of turning the pages to see what
comes next you get to say what the hero is going to do. A storyteller, much like an
author, narrates what happens around your choices. Every person who plays is called
a player, with a typical gathering of about 4-5 players, and those individuals make a
character from the rules inside this book. You roll dice to determine how great your
character is at doing the things they want to do.
Role-playing is also about pretending to be someone different. You can speak in
a different accent, be nerdy or really into sports, make jokes or be incredibly serious.
You decide who you are and you base decisions on how your character would react.
You are an actress without ever having to step foot on a stage or memorize any lines.
Everything is spur of the moment and nothing you say or do, in the spirit of your
character, is wrong.
As you play, your character gains in levels and abilities that allows them to do
more amazing things. The point is to have fun with your imagination and run wild with
endless possibilities.
Lexicon
There are a lot of words that are used throughout this book. This section will help
you understand what they mean and how to use them.
10
• Adventure – A period of time that can span between a single or multiple game
sessions, where upon its completion a level of experience is gained.
• Badge – Smaller than a patch, it provides bonuses to anyone who wears it.
• Clique/Circle – Is the social group that the child belongs to.
• d6 – An abbreviation for a six-sided dice. This is often written with a number to
represent the number of dice to roll, i.e. 1d6, 2d6, 3d6 and so on.
• Game Session – A single sit down with friends with intent to play the game.
• In-Game – Something that happens in the game but not in the real world.

Introduction
• Metagaming – Using information you acquired outside of game, for benefit inside
the game, where otherwise your character would not have known.
• Non-Player Character – Abbreviated to NPC, is a character in the game that the
storyteller runs. NPCs have their own personality, sometimes statistic scores, and
agendas.
• Out-of-Game – Something that happens in the real world but not in the game.
• Patch – A magical patch that gives superpowers when attached to someone’s soul.
• Player – A person in real life who has a character represented in the game.
• Player Character – Abbreviated to PC. The character that is played by a player.
• Power – The effects of a patch.
• Role-Playing – Is when you take on the role of someone or something else and
act as if that individual or thing, which may also involve making decisions as that
individual or thing, and responding to others as that individual or thing would.
• Storyteller – The one who creates and tells the story, runs NPCs, and awards
levels at the end of the adventure.
• Tabletop – A word to describe a roleplaying game (RP game)
like this one.
• The Standard Roll – Roll 2d6.
What you’ll need to play
There are several things you’ll need
in order to play this game.
1. This book.
2. A printed or digital copy of “Lights
Out” character sheet for each
person who is playing.
3. A printed or digital copy of
“Lights Out” clubhouse sheet
and clubhouse management
sheet.
4. A pencil with an eraser
to write on the character
sheets with.
5. Two six-sided dice for each player
and a few extra, just in case.
6. Drinks and snacks are highly encouraged.
11

Introduction
7. One deck of playing cards or the Synergy Deck, which may be purchased from the
online store.
In order to play the game, you’ll also need to have some friends to play with you.
One person will need to take on the role of the storyteller, and 1-5 individuals to be
the players. While a maximum of six people is suggested, games can get bigger.
ROLES
There are only two different types of roles while
playing this game. There are the players and there is
the storyteller.
Players
Players are all friends or mutual acquaintances
that create one or, with storyteller’s permission, more
than one character that they role-play in the
city of Applewood. As the storyteller reveals
the story, players have the opportunity to
react to what is going on. Their characters
are able to take actions such as talking to
a hurt child, facing off against a bully that
pushed him down, or protect them all when a
monster unexpectedly shows up. Oftentimes,
players are met with hard decisions where there
are consequences in-game.
Unlike the storyteller, the player has very little to do in preparation for the game.
Players should keep in mind that a storyteller spends a lot of their time preparing the
adventure. It’s considered rude if a player attempts to disregard all of the storyteller’s
hard work by doing everything they can to avoid following the story. This is a type of
metagaming, where the player knows what the storyteller has prepared and decides to
work in opposition. It’s like peaking while everyone is trying to hide in a game of hide
and go seek. Other things you can do to show sincere appreciation to the storyteller
are: offer to bring them drinks or something to eat, be ready during combat with your
next action so that things can move quickly, save rule disputes for after the game so
that it doesn’t interrupt play, and also say thank you for all their hard work.
Storyteller
The storyteller’s job is the hardest, yet very rewarding. Whoever is the most
creative often becomes the storyteller. Storytellers create the adventure by writing
down their ideas and form them into a story. They set the scene by describing everything
the player characters experience through their senses and who they encounter. They
play both non-player characters and creatures, both heroes and villains, in an attempt
to create an immersive experience.
Storytellers may spend several hours designing adventures or they may have a
basic outline of one. While they may control an entire world and an endless number of
12

Introduction
NPCs, they cannot always be held accountable for maintaining the attention of the table.
It is recommended that a player be granted the position of taskmaster to ensure that
the non-game related conversations are kept to a minimal. Having fun is part of the
game, but it’s not much of a game if everyone is distracted doing other things.
When it comes to rules, the storyteller acts as the final judge. If a player disagrees
with what the storyteller states, even if there is a clear interpretation in the book, then
they can discuss it further at the end of the game session. Overall, no matter what,
the storyteller has final say.
CHARACTER CREATION
A lot of the statistics show what your character can and cannot do in the game,
but it doesn’t always gift you with the ability to know exactly who that character is
and what makes them different than everyone else. Personality is what drives a good
character, as well as how they will react to certain circumstances in the game. Some
come prepared during character creation with a concept already in mind, while others
may reserve the personality to come out more during the game and then build on it
from there. There is no right or wrong way to play a character as they are yours to
define as you see fit – though consistency is important.
Follow the steps below to create a character at a starting level of 7:
Step 1 – Print out a Character Sheet
There are character sheets listed in the back of the book that’ll help organize
your character’s information. Print out a sheet, pick up a pencil and prepare to start
designing!
Step 2 – Assign Ability Scores
At the bottom of the character sheet there is a section for your ability scores.
Place 5 points in each of the six scores. Once those are assigned, you have 5 free
additional points to distribute among the six scores as you see fit.
Additional information on Ability Scores can be found in Chapter 1.
Step 3 – Choose a Kid Type
Once a child type is selected, write in the kid type: 1 section at the top-right
of the character sheet the child type you have chosen. Afterwards, in the middle of
the 1 st page of the character sheet, write in the kid type’s talents. Once a kid type is
chosen, you cannot change it (without pleading to the storyteller) so be sure that you
are positive this is the child type that you wish to play.
Additional information on Kid Types can be found in Chapter 2.
Step 4 – Select a Circle
Circles are found near the bottom of the 1 st page of the character sheet right
above Ability Scores. There are five different circles to choose from.
13

Once the circle is chosen, roll 1d6 twice on the circle list of traits. These traits
are then placed to the right of the circle.
Additional information on Circles can be found in Chapter 2.
Step 5 – Purchase Skill Bonuses
All ability scores begin the game with 5s already, which in turn rewards 1 skill
point to invest beneath each ability score’s related skills. On the character sheet,
related skills are straight across from each ability score. For example, the ability score
Strength has the skills Brawl, Climb, Muscles and Sports are across from it. You may
choose to place 1 point in one of those skills. In Step 4, if any of your ability scores
reflect a 10 (which is both a fives and tens position), you gain 2 additional skill points to
distribute between the ability score’s related skills.
14
Additional information on Skills can be found in Chapter 3.
Step 6 – Choose a Skill Focus
Skill focuses are beneath the Ability Score and Skill section at the very bottom
of the character sheet. There are six skills that the character may choose a focus in.
These skills are Sports (Strength), Athletics (Body), Rope (Agility), School (Intellect),
Arts (Spirit) and Leadership (Heart).
Whenever a skill focus is chosen, the skill bonus applies to that focus only and
does not apply to other focuses. When called upon to make a general skill roll that
utilizes one of the skill focuses, you may use the highest focus. Write down the focus
beneath the related skill, as well as the skill points invested in it.
Additional information on Skill Focuses can be found in Chapter 3.
Step 7 – Fill in Attributes
There are four items underneath the attribute section at the top of the character
sheet. More detailed information on Attributes may be found in Chapter 1 – Statistic
Scores. These items include: Aura, Level, Luck and Speed.
• Aura – This begins the game with a score that ranges from a negative or a positive
10. A negative aura represents that the character has done some bad things in
their life and a positive aura means that the character has done some good things.
Most children start off with a positive aura. Kids with negative auras are not
necessarily bad characters; they just may have had a tough life so far that has
forced them to make some poor decisions.
• Level – Unless otherwise stated by the storyteller, your character’s level begins
at 7.
• Luck – This begins the game with a score of 11.
• Speed – This is based upon the character’s Agility Score. Take the character’s
Agility score and divide it by 5 (rounded down). Whatever the result is, add it to

a base of 2. This is now your character’s speed.
Introduction
Additional information on Attributes can be found in chapter 1.
Step 8 – Roll for your Status Bar
There are four items that make up the status bar which is located at the top
of the character sheet beneath attributes: Hit Points, Synergy Points, Hand-Size and
Wounds.
• Hit Points – Roll 2d6 and add it to your character’s Body score. This number is
then placed in the maximum box of character’s hit point total. The character’s
current hit points (unless advised otherwise) are the same as the character’s
maximum hit point total since the character has not sustained any damage.
• Synergy Points – Roll 2d6 and add it to your character’s Spirit score. This number is
then placed in the maximum box of the character’s hit point total. The character’s
current synergy points (unless advised otherwise) are the same as the character’s
maximum synergy point total since the character has not used any synergy.
• Hand-Size – At level 7, this always starts at 2.
• Wounds – This always starts at 0, or the box can be left blank. This will adjust
during the game if the character sustains a lot of damage.
Additional information on the Status Bar can be found in Chapter 1.
Step 9 – Fortify your Defenses
The Defenses section of the character sheet is located in the center of the paper
just above the section you filled in previously labeled Kid Type Talents. There are three
types of defenses: Evade, Resist and Willpower.
At level 7, characters begin the game at a base score of 5. The player may
distribute 3 additional points, dividing them however they wish, between the three
scores.
Step 10 – Choose a Patch
TABLE I-1: AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT BY AGE AND GENDER
Male Female Other
Age Height Weight Height Weight Height Weight
6 3’10” 48 lbs. 3’10” 47 lbs. 3’10” 48 lbs.
7 4’ 54 lbs. 4’ 52 lbs. 4’ 53 lbs.
8 4’3” 60 lbs. 4’2” 59 lbs. 4’3” 60 lbs.
9 4’5” 68 lbs. 4’5” 67 lbs. 4’5” 68 lbs.
15

Introduction
TABLE I-1: AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT BY AGE AND GENDER
Male Female Other
Age Height Weight Height Weight Height Weight
10 4’7” 77 lbs. 4’7” 76 lbs. 4’7” 77 lbs.
11 4’9” 86 lbs. 4’10” 87 lbs. 4’10” 87 lbs.
12 5’0” 99 lbs. 5’ 98 lbs. 5” 99 lbs.
13 5’3” 110 lbs. 5’1” 106 lbs. 5’2” 108 lbs.
14 5’5” 122 lbs. 5’2” 112 lbs. 5’4” 117 lbs.
15 5’6” 133 lbs. 5’2” 116 lbs. 5’4” 125 lbs.
16 5.7” 137 lbs. 5’2” 118 lbs. 5’5” 127 lbs.
17 5.7” 141 lbs. 5’2” 118 lbs. 5’5” 129 lbs.
Characters have 1 patch to begin the game with. Each Kid Type provides a bonus when
using certain patches. It is recommended to review those patches first before looking
at any of the other ones. Just because the character is better at using certain patches
at the beginning of the game does not always mean that they need to start with those.
Characters also gain 1 patch point plus 1 additional patch point per their level
to distribute among their patches. Because players start with only 1 patch, they may
only invest a total of patch points in a single patch equal to their level. Therefore,
if the player has the patch “The Moon” they may only place 7 patch points in that
patch if they’re level 7, even though they have 8 points. If player character finds
another patch and has it stitched to her soul, then they may invest the remaining
point in that one.
Step 11 – Character Details
Characters need names, sex and gender which is located at the top of the 1 st page
of the character sheet. Also, they need age, height and weight which is located on the
2 nd page of character sheet by the character portrait. These can be whatever you want
them to be. There is nothing wrong with being different. The averages are given more
as a guideline to help you decide what size your character will be.
Step 12 – Gear Up
Every child has a few items they’ve grown up with that could help them in the
game. These can be everyday things such as jump ropes, roller skates, stuffed
animals, blankets and fl ashlights. Each child may roll 2d6 to determine how much, in
candy pieces (cp) and 1d6 candy bars (cb), they have to spend on initial items. Once
your character has all the things they can carry, you are ready to begin playing.
16

ADVANCEMENT
Introduction
As characters progress through adventures, they gain levels to indicate improvement.
Characters gain a level at the end of every gaming session (4 hours or more of playing),
with two levels gained for every 8 hours of playing. When a character gains a level, there
are several steps that must be followed to ensure that the character sheet accurately
reflects where they should be:
1. Increase the level on the character sheet by 1 point.
2. Distribute 5 points among the character’s ability scores in any way the player chooses.
a. If points were placed in Body, adjust hit points by the same amount.
b. If points were placed in Spirit, adjust synergy points by the same amount.
3. After distributing points to ability scores, if any of the scores reached a fives position
(such as 5, 10, 15, 20 and so on) the player receives 1 skill point to invest in a single skill
belonging to that ability score. For example, if prior to leveling up the character has a
Body score of 13 and then places 2 ability score points into Body to make it 15, then the
player character receives 1 skill point to invest in a single Body skill. If any of the ability
scores reaches a tens position (such as 10, 20, 30, 40 and so on), then the player gains an
additional skill point, for a total of 2 skill points. For example, the player invests enough
ability score points into Spirit to raise it to 20, because this is both in a fives and a tens
position, the character receives 2 skill points to invest in Spirit related skills.
4. If the new level is an even level (such as 2, 4, 6, 8 and so on) the player receives 1
Defense point to spend on any of the three Defense scores (such as Evade, Resist and
Willpower).
5. If the new level reached a tens position (such as Level 10, 20, 30, 40 and so on), the
character’s hand-size increases by 1.
6. If the new level reached is level 20, the player may select a secondary kid type. If the
new level reached is level 40, the player may select a tertiary kid type. Upon selecting
another kid type, the player character gains all the benefits of the new kid type on top
of their previous kid type.
7. Gain 1 power point to invest in a single patch. The character gains 1 additional power
point to invest in a single patch every 5 th level as well. For example, if a character
reaches 15 th level, the player receives 2 power points.
ROLE-PLAYING
There are tons of articles on the internet and books, that suggest how to go
about role-playing. The simple explanation of it is much like how an actress does in
a movie or in a play. They take on a role of someone else, channeling that character
into their own actions, speech and decisions that take place in the game. This is an
opportunity for you to step outside of your comfort zone, all in the spirit of playing
someone who could be completely opposite of yourself. It may feel awkward at
first, especially if you are new to role-playing but the more you do it, the more you’ll
inspire the same from other people at the gaming table. If you enjoy it, role-playing
will become second nature to you, and your character’s personality will bring so much
more to the playing experience.
17

Introduction
The Concept
When making a character, many players already have the
type of character in mind that they wish to play. This can be as
easy as choosing to be hot-headed, someone who is infatuated
with riddles, or a character that enjoys baking and sharing treats
with everyone. From these initial concepts, the character may
grow into something else, just based upon what ability scores
and skills are selected. Perhaps the character is all three of the
previously mentioned thing – a kid who enjoys riddles and baking
but is extremely hot-headed. On top of these things, they could
have a lot of points in Heart – meaning that they are passionate
about a lot of things, including friends, and they are easily angered
when anyone attempts to hurt those they care about. They could
also have a couple skills like Martial Arts, where their parents
encouraged them to attend in order to help them let off steam,
as well as some points in Sway. Because of their skill points in
Sway, they may have been part of the school’s debate team.
Already the character is coming together. Whatever direction
you decide to go with, your character is up to you.
Personality
A strong character is not about the right distribution of
ability or skill points, or how well they can swing a baseball bat
and it’s definitely not about what type of powers they have.
What makes a strong character is their personality and what
they bring to the table when it comes to conversation and
in-game decisions. A character can be bold, funny, nice, shy,
serious, easily excitable, dull or monotone. There are no wrong
traits to have, even if some could be seen as flaws. The more
flaws a character has, the more relatable the character is.
Everyone wants to be perfect and incredible in every moment
of their life, but in reality, a lot of people suffer from a lack
of confidence, self-image issues and doubts. A character
could be addicted to candy so much, that she’s willing to
take from others or not share whenever a box of candy
bars is found. These are the traits that define characters
and provide incredible role-playing opportunities when
other player characters witness them.
Likes and Dislikes
There are so many interests out there and every
one of them makes the person feel happy whenever they are around them. There is
nothing wrong with being interested in something, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone
else; even if those things aren’t that popular. Boys can like playing with dolls. Girls can
like playing as a soldier. Girls can wear boys’ clothes and boys can wear girls’ clothes.
Likes and dislikes may take some getting used to; in fact some player characters
18

Introduction
may wait until something happens in-game and then decide at that moment that their
character has always held an aversion to that sort of thing, or that they have always
enjoyed collecting whatever it was that was encountered. Likes and dislikes can be
bizarre too, such as getting the shivers whenever a bottle cap is lifted off a pop bottle,
or feeling calm and peaceful whenever walking through a graveyard – even at night.
Having likes and dislikes makes your character feel more real, especially with
those around you. And who is to say, maybe if you play to your character’s likes and
dislikes, the other players will start playing to them as well. Something your character
has longed for may suddenly appear in a present on her birthday, or maybe someone
might pull a prank with argyle socks that your character absolutely despises – allowing
hilarity to ensue.
Loves and Fears
Kids may experience strong passions towards subjects, locations, objects or even
other people. A love is far more powerful than a like, as it can create a
feeling of nirvana. A child may like going to the park because she loves
swinging on the swing set – and they could be there for hours and not
realize how quickly time has slipped away. While someone may like
playing baseball, someone who loves it may do whatever they can to
keep the baseball field clean, or even collect baseball equipment in
case a group of kids one day decides to put a team together. Having
a love for something or someone is a powerful connection that can
cause your character to step outside of their normal routine and
protect that which makes them happy.
On the other end of the spectrum, fears can be crippling. Whether
it is a fear of monsters, spiders, public bathrooms or even the dark, it’s something
that causes an intense emotional reaction that can turn even the bravest
of children into a teary-eyed mess. Natural fears such as being afraid of
a swarm of angry hornets, or being afraid of jumping off a bridge, are
normal and aren’t really a major fear, but being afraid of mailboxes,
small dogs or ladders are outside the norm and at the same time
devastating. Fears the player character choose do not have any
in-game mechanic behind them, as the player is choosing to give
their character a disadvantage as a method of role-playing. The
storyteller may mention that there is something in the room that
could trigger one of the character’s fears; it is then up to the player
to decide exactly how her character would react to it.
Family
All children have family, even if they were orphaned or adopted. The people
who care for them the most can be considered family. Not everyone in the child’s life
was whisked away when all the parents disappeared. They may still have brothers,
sisters, cousins or other distant relatives who are below the age of 18 and may still be
met in the world. It’s up to the player character to decide whether or not the character
has any family at all, as opposed to being the only child to a dying family line.
19

Introduction
Having family means that there are role-playing opportunities in the future for the
character to interact with those members. This could mean that the family member
has turned into a bully, is in another clubhouse, could be on their own, or is trapped by
a monster and needs help from the player. There are so many different situations as to
what the family member could be doing, as well as how the family member views the
player character. Perhaps the gang of bullies headed by a sister decides that they’ll
leave the player character’s clubhouse alone – they are family after all. Then again,
perhaps the sister will do whatever it takes to get the player character to leave the
clubhouse and join her gang. The stories are endless.
Goals
Everyone has goals. Sometimes the goals are short term, such as trying to get
up on time in the morning, acing a history exam, or learn how to do a backflip. There
are long term goals as well, most of these are several take several months, if not
many years to achieve, such as going to a theme park as a family vacation, earning a
scholarship or becoming a writer. Once all the adults disappeared, a lot of those goals
are put on hold. A lot of short term goals turned into finding something to eat, avoiding
bullies, and not get eaten by monsters. Long term goals have changed too. These
could be about making better relationships with a neighboring clubhouse, getting power
to keep the lights on at night, or finding where the character’s parents have gone.
Goals can change from adventure to adventure, but it is good that the storyteller
keep these personal goals in mind so that player characters have the opportunity to
achieve them. It’s also okay if a goal seems too ambitious or no longer is important to
the character; they can easily be abandoned and new goals can be picked. Characters
may have as many goals as they want. Achieving goals does not grant any special
rewards outside of providing the storyteller a “wish list” of things she would like to
accomplish over the course of the campaign setting.
Example of Role-Playing
Jennifer is playing a Sweetheart child named, Sean. Sean is 11 years old, is highly
energetic and has always wanted to join the cheerleading squad for the Ferocious Kits.
He’s never made the try-outs because he was always told he, “… just doesn’t have what
it takes.”
Rachel is playing a Leader child named, Alissa is 10 years old, is reserved, patient
and has just recently found that many children look up to her for guidance. It’s strange
to her, especially since she’s been an outsider, but is slowing coming into her new role.
Brad is playing a Warrior child named, Candice. Candice is 12 years old, is boisterous
and self-absorbed. He believes she is the best at everything and others need to work
harder to get what they want. Candice was on the Cheerleading Squad before all the
adults disappeared.
Jamal is playing an Eternal child name, Tonya. Tonya is 10 years old, is easily
distracted and overly positive. He plays her as always trying to get people to get along
and to “turn every frown upside down”.
20

Introduction
Jennifer (Sean): “Come on, Candice. I’ve always wanted to join the cheerleading squad.
I did try outs and everything.”
Brad (Candice): “You can’t just join the cheerleading squad. You have to earn your right
to cheer. Just because all the adults disappeared doesn’t mean you get to just join.”
Jennifer (Sean): “But you said there isn’t anyone else wanting to join right now. I’m
volunteering! I can cheer just as well as any other kid.”
Jamal (Tonya): “Did someone say, “cheer”? I’ve been trying to think of ways to spread
a little cheer among everyone. Maybe if we wrapped up some gifts and gave them to
random people…”
Rachel (Alissa): “I don’t think that’s the type of cheer they are talking about, Tonya.”
Brad (Candice): “If you could have cheered ‘just as good’ then you would have been
picked to join when you tried out. I don’t think you can do it. I’m not going to just let
you join because you’re the only one who wants to right now.”
Jennifer (Sean): “Alissa – it’s not fair! Candice won’t let me be a cheerleader. I’ve
wanted this my entire life and she won’t even give me a chance.”
Rachel (Alissa): “I don’t know what the big deal is Candice. Why won’t you let him join?”
Jamal (Tonya): “It’s always good to include others. I bet Sean would make a fantastic…
um… whatever we are talking about!”
Brad (Candice): “I worked my tail off to become a cheerleader and so did everyone else
on the team. If I let him in, then that would insult everyone who made the team.”
Rachel (Alissa): “What about working with Sonya? Would you be willing to train him to
get up to standards and then consider him joining?”
Jamal (Tonya): “You should also try having fun with Sean too! All hard work and no play
never did anyone any good.”
Brad (Candice): “Cheering is fun Tonya, but it is work. And Alissa, I never had someone
train me personally. I don’t think it would be fair if I worked with him alone. I did go
to cheerleading camps though. If we had more people, I’d help train everyone including
Sean.”
Rachel (Alissa): “What if I joined? Would that give you enough people to train for
cheerleading?”
Jamal (Tonya): “Oh! Me too! Camping is a lot of fun.”
Jennifer (Sean): “You both would do that for me?”
Brad (Candice): “Three people sound like the decent beginnings to a cheerleading camp.
I’d be willing to teach you. Don’t think I’m going to go easy on you though.”
Jennifer (Sean): “Oh – thank you, so much! I won’t disappoint you. I’m going to work
really hard and you’ll see exactly how great cheer material I really am!”
21

Introduction
Brad (Candice): “Yeah-Yeah. If you really want to make yourself cheer material, then
go out and get other kids to sign up. First training camp, then try outs! The more
competition, the better!”
Jamal (Tonya): “I’ll go pack the tent! I’m so excited!”
Just from this interaction the storyteller is already aware that the players want to
put together a cheerleader training camp adventure. The adventure would likely require
a lot of skill rolls and ability score rolls to see if Sean, Alissa or Tonya have what it
takes to make the cut. There’s also the possibility that something goes awfully awry,
such as monsters attack, bullies attend or maybe even the weather goes berserk. The
more the players role-play their characters, the more control they have over what the
next adventure could possible contain.
SPOOKS! AND THE MORTAL INTRUSION
“Spooks! Welcome to the Great Beyond” and “Mortal Intrusion” books can be utilized
when playing in “Lights Out”. Skills such as Evade, Resist and Willpower are added to
already generated characters, which will free up any skill points to be redistributed. For
purposes of the “Mortal Intrusion”, all children are considered Common Folk, and may
benefit from a different archetype. Players who choose to play a spook do not start
with a patch, but may gain one as they adventure.
22

23

Chapter 1
Character Statistics
The introduction gave a brief overview of the five different Statistic Score
categories: Ability Scores, Attributes, Character Shield, Defenses and the Status Bar.
These will be covered in greater detail in this chapter.
ABILITY SCORES
There are 6 ability scores: Strength, Body, Agility, Intellect, Spirit and Heart. Each
score plays an important role in the game - they represent what your character is
capable of. Ability scores are determined at character creation, beginning the game with
a base of 5 in each score. The player must then distribute 5 points however she wishes
among those scores. Every time the character gains a level, providing an additional 5
ability score points that the player may decide on how to distribute them.
Sometimes unique items or even patches may improve these scores. Improved
scores may be tracked on the 2 nd page under the character portrait.
24

Strength
Character Statistics - Ch.1
Abbreviation: STR
Description: Lifting objects over your character’s head, pushing,
pulling, dealing damage with melee weapons and any other brawny
feats are all things governed by the Strength ability score.
• Carrying Capacity – A character may carry their Strength
score in pounds without penalty. If ever the character
attempts to carry more than their total carrying capacity she
suffers a temporary -5 penalty to her Agility Score for each
instance their total Strength Score is exceeded again. For
example, if a character a Strength score of 10 and is carrying
30 pounds worth of weight, they will suffer a -10 to Agility.
Item size determines if they’re able to be carried. Carrying
capacity would only be used when trying to carry objects that
fit outside of pockets and backpacks, or when carrying things
that are obviously really heavy.
Body
• Lift – A character may lift a total amount of weight equal to her
Strength score multiplied by 5. For instance, a character with a
Strength of 12 may lift 60 lbs. over their head.
• Throwing – A character may throw an object equal to their carrying
capacity. For every 10 lbs., the object has +1 damage. The object
may only be thrown a number of squares equal to the Muscle skill
(See Chapter 3 – Skills) roll divided by 5 (rounded down). For every
10 lbs. above the character’s carrying capacity, the range of the throw
is penalized by 1 square. The weight of each object is estimated by the
storyteller.
• Push/Pull – A character may push or pull an object that weighs no more
than 5 times heavier than their lift. So if a character can lift 60 lbs. that
means she may pull or push up to 300 lbs. Each time the weight of the
object being pushed or pulled is divisible by by the character’s max carrying
capacity, the character loses 1 Speed while pushing it or pulling it to a
minimum of 1 square. Objects that are pushed or pulled are considered to
weight 1/5 th as much when considering carrying capacity.
Abbreviation: BOD
Description: Body represents the physical fitness of the character. A strong Body
means that the character has a good endurance. Those with a higher Body score can
take more damage and can heal faster.
• Hit Points – The Body score adds to the character’s starting hit points (See Status
Bar – Hit Points).
25

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
• Natural Healing – A character heals a number of hit points equal to her Body
score divided by 5 (rounded down) per hour and a number of wounds equal to her
Body score divided by 10 (rounded down) + 1 per in-game week.
• Physical Form – Ghosts, wraiths or even some types of faeries have Essence scores
as opposed to Body scores. A character with a Body score are half as effective
against creatures or objects who have an Essence score. This means that objects
weigh half as much, they deal half as much damage and they require a lot of
concentration to use. When interacting with an object of Essence, the character
must make a successful Body + 2d6 roll against its material strength multiplied by
10, to use it each round. Therefore, if the material strength is 5 then the difficulty
to beat would be 50. If the roll is not successful, the character of Body will pass
harmlessly through it. Characters may choose to automatically fail this roll as
well. When being attacked by beings and weapons of Essence, the character with
a Body score suffers only half damage except against powers, magic or magic-like
attacks. Likewise, a creature of Essence suffers only ½ damage from creatures
or weapons of Body.
Agility
Abbreviation: AGL
Description: Agility determines how quick, flexible, balanced or how great a character’s
reactions can be. Whenever a roll requires dexterity, agility is the score to use.
• Speed – A character may move a number of 5 ft. by
5 ft. squares equal to her Agility score divided by 5
(rounded down) per action.
• Run – Sometimes the best option is to run. Running
is determined by rolling the Athletics skill as part
of a move action. The result of the skill roll is then
divided by 5 (rounded down) to see how many more
squares the character may move that round.
• Reaction – When determining who goes first in a
combat round or when trying to see if a character
can react to something quick enough, the player may
make a Reaction skill roll. The highest roll always
gets to act first.
Intellect
Abbreviation: INT
Description: Intellect represents a character’s ability to learn, reason and think critically.
Kids who have a high intellect may have skipped a few grades or privately tutored to
better cater to their advanced learning level.
• Deduction – Sometimes not all the information is present to make a conclusion
26

Character Statistics - Ch.1
and it’s best just to make a deduction. Making a deduction is based off all the
information that the character has learned thus far and choosing the most likely
outcome. When making a deduction, roll the Schooling skill at ½ its highest Skill
Focus. If the roll is successful, they deduce the answer.
• Memory – If a player can’t remember certain details, an intelligent character
might. The player may roll an Intellect ability roll against a challenge rating
assigned by the storyteller. If the challenge roll is met, the character remembers
and the storyteller must remind the player what their character knows.
Spirit
Abbreviation: SPR
Description: Creativity, wits, perception and synergy is all based upon a character’s
Spirit score. While intellect measures how well a character can learn, and make guesses.
The Spirit score measures an individual’s well-roundedness and common sense.
• Gut Feeling – Whether you call it a danger sense or butterflies, there
are often things that cannot be perceived but characters know that
something is very wrong. This is a sixthsense
of sorts, otherwise known as a gutfeeling
that can help them identify the bad
things. When there is something outside
the character’s perception but could harm
them, or has harmed others in the past,
roll the Awareness skill against an Average
difficulty to identify that something bad
lingers there or is about to happen.
• Synergy Points – The Spirit score
adds to the character’s starting hit points
(See Status Bar – Synergy Points).
• Recover Energy – A character
recovers a number of synergy
points equal to her Spirit score
divided by 5 (rounded down) per
hour.
Heart
Abbreviation: HRT
Description: Personality, warmth, friendliness, sensitivity and compassion are all
measured by a character’s Heart. Some are born with a natural ability to sway others,
can feel and understand other’s emotions, or are strong leaders. Heart also influences a
character’s patch powers and keeps their Heaviness at bay.
• Patches – When using powers listed beneath their patch, characters use add their
Heart scores to the roll: 2d6 + Heart + Patch Power Level.
27

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
• Heavy Hearted – Patches weigh on a child’s soul, causing them to lose sight of
the important things, forcing them into their shadow selves where there is nothing
but pain, torment and despair. A higher Heart score remedies the shadow self and
allows the child to wear more patches. As long as the Heavy score from all the
character’s combined patches do not exceed her Heart score the child will not fall
prey to her shadow self.
ATTRIBUTES
There are four different attributes: Aura, Level, Luck and Speed. Each has their
own unique aspect of the character to measure. Attributes may only be modified by
things that the character does in-game or through modifiers from other talents, traits
or items.
Aura
Everyone has an aura. It’s an invisible field that surrounds the character that
brightens, dims, changes color, and swirls with their personal energy. Most people go
through their entire lives without ever even seeing their Aura. Aura accumulates the
character’s good and bad deeds, marking them as having a positive impact or a negative
impact on others. Having a positive aura doesn’t mean the character is a good person,
just as having a negative aura doesn’t mean they are a bad person. People try to be
good, but can make bad decisions without realizing it. It’s usually not until afterwards
that they realize their mistakes. What makes a good person is, when they are made
aware of the damage they are doing to others, that person makes every effort to
correct it and make amends. What makes a bad person is when being made aware of
the damage they do, they decide not to do anything about it or worse – keep doing it.
Forgiveness is earned by our willingness to do better.
Aura is awarded in both positive and negative numbers. Therefore, it is possible
that helping a cat out of a tree provides a +1 Aura, but then accidentally breaking a
window, can impose a -1 Aura. If the same character turns around and helps repair
the window, then they would gain a +1 Aura. Aura is awarded throughout game for the
actions the character performs. Aura is important, as there are items that require a
certain level of Aura to use it. There are NPCs who can naturally see Auras or Patches
that allow others to view the character’s Aura, which can change how they treat that
character. There are also locked doors or chests that may only be opened based upon
a certain level of positive or negative Auras.
When the storyteller awards Aura or takes it away, it is not a reward or punishment
but simply a means to gauge the character’s development throughout the game.
Level
All characters start at level 7. Levels show how much the character has learned,
how they have advanced and as the players complete adventures, it measures what all
the character has been through. In some tabletop role-playing games, levels increase
based on the amount of experience the character has earned. For simplicity, 1 level is
28

Character Statistics - Ch.1
gained at the end of every 4-6 hour gaming session, or two levels for an 8 hour session.
There are no level limits on how high the character may advance. It’s up to everyone
at the game to decide exactly how long they wish to play their characters.
If a character advances a level in the middle of an adventure, then she gains all
the benefits of that level including additional hit points and synergy points.
How to Advance your Character
Whenever a character gains a level, the player must follow the steps below to
ensure she advances properly:
• STEP 1 – Adjust the Level: Increase the level on the character sheet by 1 point.
• STEP 2 – Update Ability Scores: Distribute 5 points among the character’s ability scores
in any way.
o Example: Jodi distributes 2 points to Strength, 1 point to Intellect and 2 points to
Heart.
• STEP 3 – Increase Hit Points: If points were placed in Body, adjust hit points by the same
amount.
o Example: If 3 points were placed in Body, the max hit point total also increases by
3 points.
• STEP 4 – Increase Synergy Points: If points were placed in Spirit, adjust synergy points
by the same amount.
o Example: If 2 points were placed in Spirit, the max synergy point total also increases
by 2 points.
• STEP 5 – Distribute Skill Points: If any of the ability scores reached a 5s position (such as
5, 10, 15, 20), then the player receives 1 skill point to distribute among the ability score’s
relative skills. Also, if any ability score has reached a 10s position (10, 20, 30, 40), then
the player receives 1 additional skill point to distribute among the ability score’s relative
skills.
o Example: Agility is increased from 7 to 10. This grants 2 skill points to distribute
between Aim, Gymnastics, Reaction and Rope. Karen decides to place 1 skill point
in Reaction.
TABLE 1.1 – ADVANCEMENT
Level
Ability
Points
Gained
Ability
Point Total
Defense
Points
Hand Size
Patch
Points
1 +5 5 - 2 1
2 +5 10 +1 2 2
3 +5 15 - 2 3
29

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
TABLE 1.1 – ADVANCEMENT
Level
Ability
Points
Gained
Ability
Point Total
Defense
Points
Hand Size
Patch
Points
4 +5 20 +1 2 4
5 +5 25 - 2 6
6 +5 30 +1 2 7
7 +5 35 - 2 8
8 +5 40 +1 2 9
9 +5 45 - 2 10
10 +5 50 +1 3 12
11 +5 55 - 3 13
12 +5 60 +1 3 14
13 +5 65 - 3 15
14 +5 70 +1 3 16
15 +5 75 - 3 18
16 +5 80 +1 3 19
17 +5 85 - 3 20
18 +5 90 +1 3 21
19 +5 95 - 3 22
20 +5 100 +1 4 24
21 +5 105 - 4 25
22 +5 110 +1 4 26
23 +5 115 - 4 27
24 +5 120 +1 4 28
25 +5 125 - 4 30
26 +5 130 +1 4 31
27 +5 135 - 4 32
30
28 +5 140 +1 4 33

Character Statistics - Ch.1
TABLE 1.1 – ADVANCEMENT
Level
Ability
Points
Gained
Ability
Point Total
Defense
Points
Hand Size
Patch
Points
29 +5 145 - 4 34
30 +5 150 +1 5 36
31 +5 155 - 5 37
32 +5 160 +1 5 38
33 +5 165 - 5 39
34 +5 170 +1 5 40
35 +5 175 - 5 42
36 +5 180 +1 5 43
37 +5 185 - 5 44
38 +5 190 +1 5 45
39 +5 195 - 5 46
40 +5 200 +1 6 48
• STEP 6 – Increase Defenses: If the new level is an even level, the player receives 1
Defense point to spend on any of the three defenses.
o
Example: Victor reaches level 8; because the level is even he gains 1 Defense point
to spend. He decides to place it in Resist.
• STEP 7 – Up the Hand-Size: If the new level reached a 10s position, the character gains
a +1 increase to their hand-size.
o
Example: Elise’s hand-size is 3 and she just reached level 20. She now increases
her character’s hand-size to 4.
• STEP 8 – Add a New Kid Type: If the new level reached is 20 th -level or 40 th -level; the
player may select a secondary or a tertiary kid type respectively – gaining all bonuses.
o
Example: Rufus reaches level 20 and he is already a Nature kid. He decides that
for his secondary kid type he’s going to choose Firebrand. He treats the Firebrand
kid type as if it was level 1, gaining all the bonuses that would apply to that level.
Once he reaches level 21, the Firebrand kid type will be considered level 2.
• STEP 9 – Increase Patch Power Levels: Gain 1 power point to distribute among patches.
The character gains 1 additional power point to distribute every 5 th level as well.
o Example: Henry reaches level 15; he gains 2 power points to distribute.
• STEP 10 – Reallocate Power Points: Patches that have been removed leave power points
that may be reallocated at a rate of 2 power points per level. Redistribute any unallocated
power points.
31

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
o Example: Celeste has 5 power points that are unallocated from removing a patch
last adventure. She distributes her normal 1 power point from gaining a level and
then places 2 points from her unallocated power points in another power, leaving
her with 3 unallocated power points.
Average Character Level by Age
Storytellers may decide to give additional levels to older children at the start
of their game as opposed to keeping everyone at the same level. This may create a
feeling of unfairness among players, as it rewards those for playing older characters
or penalizes those for playing younger characters. A way to balance out older and
younger characters is to note how full a character’s life experiences have been thus
far. Younger characters who have been through a lot of life changes and growth may
have higher levels, while characters who rarely have seen the light of day may be lower
level than those equal to her age. Also, storytellers may wish to start characters
off after the “Lights Out” event has occurred, which can also influence the amount of
experience that she has to start the game with. The below chart gives suggestions to
the storyteller when deciding the type of age and level allowance she wishes to make
available to her players.
TABLE 1.2 – AVERAGE CHARACTER LEVEL BY AGE
How Eventful has the Character’s Life been so far?
Age
Uneventful
Life
Average
Life
Eventful
Life
Post-Lights
Out Event
Late Lights
Out Event
Starting Level
6 3 6 9 -- --
7 3 7 10.5 21 --
8 4 8 12 24 40
9 4 9 13.5 27 45
10 5 10 15 30 50
11 5 11 16.5 33 55
12 6 12 18 36 60
13 6 13 19.5 39 65
14 7 14 21 41 70
15 7 15 22.5 44 75
16 8 16 24 47 80
17 8 17 25.5 50 85
18 9 18 27 53 90
32

Luck
Character Statistics - Ch.1
Once per scene, a player may try their luck to see if there is something available
that normally wouldn’t be there or wasn’t described. For example, if the storyteller
describes a park but fails to mention a swing set and the player really wants to have
her character play on the swings, then she can attempt a Luck roll. If the Luck roll is
successful by rolling her Luck or above on 2d6 then the swings are there. Luck cannot
be used to acquire bigger or better items such as, “Are you sure that Hockey stick isn’t
stronger?” or “Only 2 candy bars, can I go for 10?” Luck is only reserved for those
instances where additional description can be added to the game.
There are other instances where the Storyteller will ask the players to make a
Luck roll. Luck rolls requested by the storyteller do not count against the player’s
scene limit. These types of rolls may be used to determine who encounters something
by chance, or if a character starts saying bad things about someone and the storyteller
wants to know if they will come around the corner and hear it. The Luck roll controls
fate; the better the player character’s Luck roll the better off they will be throughout
the game.
Speed
Speed determines how many 5 ft. by 5 ft. squares that the character may travel
on foot per action. Speed is calculated by taking the character’s Agility score and
dividing it by 5 (rounded down) + 2. At level 7, most characters have a speed of 3. If
the character is higher level and has an Agility score of 42, then the character has a
Speed of 9.
A character may move faster by using the Athletics (Run) skill as part of a move
action. Whatever the results of the Athletics (Run) skill roll divided by 5 (rounded down)
will add as a Speed bonus for that round even if the player decides to use two actions
to move. Therefore, if the Athletics (Run) roll comes out to be 21 with an Agility score
of 15, the character has a Speed of 9 until the end of the round, with 16 total squares
that could be moved.
Speed also represents a character’s Swim Speed. If the character
is great at swimming, they may roll their Athletics (Swim) skill
divided by 5 (rounded down) and that will add as a bonus to
their Speed until the end of the round, much like Run did.
Certain patches may also allow the character to fly. If
this is the case, the character’s Speed is often based on
2d6 + Heart + Patch Power Level divided by 5 (rounded
down) to determine the bonus to Speed. Each patch
will have information regarding how flying works.
33

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
CHARACTER SHIELD
The Character Shield represents the different ways characters have to protect
themselves. There are three different types of statistics listed beneath the Character
Shield: Bravery, Protection and Resistance.
Bravery
There are a lot of frightening things in the world, especially at night, that can
really shake one’s resolve. It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, but when friends are in
trouble, one must rely on Bravery to escape one’s instincts to run and hide. There are
places, objects, NPCs or monsters that are scary. These things have a Scary score
with a number assigned to it. Bravery acts like Protection against Scary damage.
Unlike physical damage, Scary damage is assigned against a character’s synergy points.
Therefore, if the characters enter an old abandoned house with a Scary score of 1, then
the characters must have a Bravery of 1 or greater to ward off the damage, otherwise
their synergy points will sustain damage equal to the difference per round.
Once a character’s synergy points have dropped below 0 and they take Scary
damage, they immediately suffer a -1d6 to their rolls (only rolling 1 die for the standard
roll instead of 2) and must run away as fast as they can. If the character cannot run,
then they will attempt to hide. Only when the character is no longer hit with Scary
damage will they be able to act normally and start recovering synergy points as normal.
Characters gain Bravery based upon their Kid Types and other modifiers.
TABLE 1.3 - BRAVERY BONUS FROM KID TYPES
Levels
Primary
Kid Type
Secondary
Kid Type
Tertiary
Kid Type
Scary Damage
34
7 +1 --
10 +2 --
20 +3 +1 -
30 +4 +2 -
40 +5 +3 +1
50 +6 +4 +2
60+ +7 +5 +3
Scary damage is consistent. It’s like walking into hot lava; it’s going to just keep
hurting the character every step of the way. Most of the time, the scariness of an
area or object is small enough where the character isn’t negatively affected – but this
doesn’t make it any less frightening. Scary damage compiles as a single source even
though there are multiple things happening that are scary. There’s more information on
Scary damage in Chapter 8 – Playing the Game.

Protection
Character Statistics - Ch.1
Whenever damage is assigned against a character, Protection is a combined total
of all the different talents, abilities and clothing that serve to reduce that damage
before it depletes the character’s hit points. Protection only reduces physical damage;
it does not protect the character from any other source. If the character’s Protection
is higher than the damage, then the character takes no damage. If the character’s
Protection is lower than the damage, then the damage is reduced by the Protection
level and whatever remains is subtracted from the character’s current hit points.
Protection levels stack. If the character wears a jacket that provides +2 Protection
and a thick leather cloak that has a Protection of +1, then the character has a total of
+3 Protection. Characters are limited by weight and cannot gain bonuses from items
with the same name such as two cloaks, five hoodies, nine pairs of socks, and so on.
Resistances
Due to either natural, power-based or magical sources, player characters may
take damage from sources such as Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or Eternity. This damage
cannot be reduced by a character’s Protection score. Much like Protection, however,
the character’s resistance to an element will reduce the total damage received by that
source. For instance, if the character takes 15 points of Spark damage and the character
has a Spark Resistance of 7, then the character only takes 8 points of damage instead
of 15.
Resistances come from special items that are worn like clothing, badges or from
patches.
DEFENSES
There are three different types of defenses that every character and monster has
available to them, those are: Evade, Resist and Willpower. Each of these defenses is
rolled automatically and without the use of an action in order to avoid a negative effect.
Defenses start off at a 5 (at level 7) and players receive 3 free points to distribute
between the three scores.
When rolling for defense against an attack or effect, the roll is as follows:
Evade
Defense + 2d6 = Results
Dodging out of the way of a moving vehicle, running away from a falling powerline,
ducking for cover from whirring saw blades, ducking beneath a super-heated hula hoop;
all of these are instances a character will need to escape from. Evade is rolled whenever
the character needs to move quickly enough to get out of harm’s way. This does not
grant the player character the ability to see something coming at them, but it does give
them those crucial seconds they need to escape with everything intact.
To roll Evade it is 2d6 + Evade. When sustaining damage from an attack, the
Evade skill acts to reduce the amount of damage the character would normally take.
For example, if the character rolled an Evade skill of 20 and the attack was 22, then the
35

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
player character is still considered hit, but with only a difference of 2 which is added to
the damage of the opponent’s weapon.
If a character uses the Athletics (Run) skill on a move action the character gains a
+1 bonus to her Defense (Evade) rolls but suffers a -1 die when attacking until the end
of that round.
Resist
Whenever the character is knocked to the ground, poisoned,
gets stick or is forced to transform into something they don’t
want to be, they use their Resist roll to escape it. To resist
an effect, roll 2d6 + Resist.
Holding Your Breath – If a child can take in a large breath
of air and then hold it, she can do so for a number of seconds
equal to her Resist defense roll. If she was unable to take
a large breath of air, then she can only hold her breath for
a number of seconds equal to ½ the roll (rounded down).
Once the child runs out of breath, she suffers 1 point of
damage per round. If ever the child’s hit points are
reduced to 0 then she falls unconscious. If she
is still unable to breathe, she continues to
sustain damage until she dies. The damage
caused by holding one’s breath can only be
healed after the child has received air.
Willpower
Riding a bicycle up a steep hill, not
eating that candy bar before delivering it
to a friend, pushing to complete all chores
before rushing out to play with friends
are all ways a character’s Willpower can
help. Willpower is rolled in much the
same way as Evade or Resist, rolling
2d6 + Willpower in order to escape from
whatever negative effects would happen
had the rolled failed.
STATUS BAR
The status bar measures a character’s ability to
sustain damage, boost their rolls and determine how large the character’s hand
size is.
Hit Points
Hit points are a measure of how much damage the character can take before she
faints. Damage can be anything from a bloody nose, a black eye, or even electrocution.
36

Character Statistics - Ch.1
Hit points can return naturally or they can heal through other means such as through
the First Aid skill or a Patch.
Synergy Points
• Starting Hit Points – Whenever a character is created, roll 2d6 and add the
character’s Body score to the result. The number becomes the character’s
maximum total hit points.
• Gaining Hit Points – If ever the character’s Body score increases, either through
gaining a level, a badge, patch, power or item, the character’s maximum hit
points increase by the same amount. Any loses to a character’s Body score
will also reduce the character’s total maximum hit points, meaning that
additional hit points will be lost.
• Fainting – When a character’s hit points are reduced to 0 or below, the
character has fainted.
• Recovery - Hit points are recovered at a rate of 1 + the character’s Body
score divided by 10 (rounded down) per hour.
These are a measure of a character’s personal energy, her adrenaline and ability
to push herself to the limit. Synergy points are lost whenever she boosts a die roll, due
to a power, or if she doesn’t have enough Bravery to defend against a Scary attack.
Hand-Size
• Starting Synergy Points - Whenever a character is created, roll 2d6 and
add the character’s Spirit score to the result. The number becomes the
character’s maximum total synergy points.
• Gaining Synergy Points – If ever the character’s Spirit score increases the
character’s maximum synergy points increase by the same amount. Any loss
to a character’s Spirit score will also reduce the character’s total maximum
hit points.
• Recovery - Synergy points are recovered at a rate of 1 + the character’s
Spirit score divided by 10 (rounded down) per hour.
This is the number of cards that a player may hold for her character. At level 7,
players receive 2 cards they may draw from the Synergy Deck. Whenever the character
boosts, the cards used are discarded and a new card is drawn. If ever the character has
a wound, she draws that many cards less than she would normally have in a hand-size.
• Draw a Hand – At the beginning of every adventure the players draw a
number of synergy cards equal to their hand-size minus the number of
wounds they have. If ever there are not enough cards to draw, shuffle the
discard deck and draw from the new deck.
• Boosting a Roll – The player may choose a card or cards in their hand to
boost any time they make a die roll. The points (or its symbol) featured on
the card are subtracted from the character’s current synergy points total,
37

Ch.1 - Character Statistics
Wounds
then the card is discarded. The character’s roll results are then increased by
the same number of points on the card for that roll only as a bonus. On the
beginning of the character’s next turn, a new card is drawn to replace the
number of cards used, up to the character’s hand-size, minus the number of
wounds she has.
• Taking Wounds – A character that is reduced to 0 hit points or less may
discard a synergy card to heal a number of hit points equal to the number
on the card. By doing this, the character gains 1 wound. When drawing cards
from the synergy deck, a player may only have a number of synergy cards
equal to her hand-size minus wounds.
Wounds are serious injuries that the character has sustained. Wounds heal slower
than hit points do. If ever a character is reduced to 0 hit points, she may discard a
card from her hand and heal that many hit points and then take 1 wound for every card
used in this way. If a character sustains more damage than she has in cards, then she
immediately faints. For every wound a character has, it subtracts off the total number
of synergy cards she may draw, i.e. if Jasmine has a hand-size of 3, but she sustained 2
wounds, she may only have 1 synergy card in her hand. Wounds heal naturally, can heal
faster with first aid or may be restored with a power.
• Recovery – Wounds are recovered at a rate of 1 + the character’s Body score
divided by 10 (rounded down) per week.
38

39

Chapter 2
Kid Types & Circles
“Lights Out” gives you the opportunity to play one of 14 different types of
children, each with their own talents and personality. The type of kid that you choose
helps define your character and as they advance in level, they grow and learn more
about themselves. There is no wrong choice in what child you decide to play. Most kids
are between the ages of 8 and 12. You may ask your storyteller if it is okay for you to
play younger or older characters, but be warned, once the child reaches the age of 18
they lose their innocence and become the very monsters that other children work so
hard to defeat.
The 14 child types are as follows: Bookworm, Caregiver, Creator, Dreamer, Eternal,
Explorer, Firebrand, Leader, Nerd, Nature, Orphaned, Sweetheart, Warrior and Wounded.
Once the kid type is chosen it cannot be changed. At level 20 and level 40, the character
learns more about herself and may choose a 2 nd and later on a 3 rd child type, gaining all
talents and bonuses.
40

How to Read
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
Each kid type will have a description, talents and recommended skills.
• Description - Tells you a little about what makes the child different than all the
other children. This is not to say that there aren’t other things about your child
that make them unique, but it is up to you to add your own flair to your character
by expanding on things like personality.
• Talents – These are abilities that the child receives.
• Recommended Skill – These are skills
that the kid type prefers.
KID TYPES
Bookworm
Description: Bookworms are children who prefer
reading over sports or socializing with friends.
They seek to understand the world by absorbing
the words of others. Enjoyment is easily found
by getting lost in a story. A finely crafted tale
with engaging characters is music to their soul.
It’s obvious that a bookworm has several books in
their collection and it is rare they do not have one
on their person. They believe that most answers
can be found in a book; it’s just a matter of finding
the right one. Bookworms derive happiness from
being around books, reading and listening to stories,
or just thumbing through the pages. The smell of fresh
ink and quality paper is better than any freshly baked
cookies. One of their fears is using false information
that causes her humiliation or worse, potentially harms
others.
Talents:
• If a bookworm has dedicated an hour of reading in-game within the past 24
hours, they gain a +1 bonus to Bravery. Every 10 th level, this bonus increases by
an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as imaginative powers all gain a +2 bonus to its Power
roll when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Education to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Schooling (Literature)
41

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Caregiver
Description: Caregiver children tend to the needs of others. When the lights go out,
they are the fi rst kids others turn to in order to protect them from the dark. They
assist others with chores, bandages up injuries and comforts the ill. What drives
caregivers are the personal rewards from helping others. They are nurturers, both
physically and mentally, as well as strong promoters of the community. With no one
to tend to, caregivers feel out of place and may get fidgety. One of their fears is
taking too many moments for themselves or doing something could be perceived as
being selfish.
Talents
• Any time the child is caring for someone else, or someone is wounded and needs
to be cared for, they gain a +1 bonus to Bravery for 24 in-game hours. Every 10 th
level, this bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as support powers
all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls when used
by the child.
• Provides +1 Health to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: First Aid
Creator
Description: These children seek to
enrich the world by bringing their
creativity to life. They can be
artists, dancers, musicians, singers
or maybe even poets. Whatever
it is that they create, it is a
genuine reflection of their
soul and helps define who
they are as a person.
It is not unusual for
creator children to trade
away any excess items
for supplies to further
their craft. Yet, the
value of the items
they trade away is
nothing in comparison
to the value of what
they create. Those
who are lucky enough
to receive one of these
creations are inspired
by feelings of beauty
and awe. Creating brings
42

Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
happiness, and it serves as an outlet to work out their emotions. What causes the most
fear is being untrue to themselves; this can include being peer pressured into accepting
an idea that they don’t agree with, or having their art dictated by someone else.
Talents:
• If the child has worked on something artistic in the past 24 in-game hours, they
gain a +1 bonus to Bravery. Every 10 th level, this bonus increases by an additional
+1.
• Patches that are classified as creation powers all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls
when used by the
child.
• Provides +1 Culture
to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Art
Dreamer
Description: Dreamer children
have a strong imagination and
believe that anything is possible,
so long as kids put their mind to it.
They are spontaneous, optimistic,
trusting and hopeful. They also can
be very dependent on others for safety
and security. Some may describe them
as naïve and oblivious but their flaws are
far outweighed by their constant reminder of
faith. All people are inherently good and it’s up to them
to help others see it. Bringing happiness out of others
cause them to be happy.
Talents
• Dreamer children gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery as
long as they are with a friend. Every 10 th level, this
bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as imagination powers,
all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls when used by
the child.
• Provides +1 Happiness to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Empathy
43

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Talents
44
Eternal
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for having played a game in the last 24 in-game
hours. Every 10 th level, this bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as energy powers all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls when
used by the child.
• Provides +1 Happiness to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Games
Explorer
Description: Explorer children are those who chase
adventure. They seek to discover the unknown;
braving loneliness and isolation for the sake of the
new. They help others by encouraging them to
understand their calling. Explorers are independent,
love to learn, ambitious and are very supportive
of themselves. Explorers are uncomfortable when
they aren’t able to discover the unknown – they
fear falling into a daily routine and losing that
feeling of wonder.
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for
exploring someplace new or making a
discovery. Every 10 th level, this bonus
increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as travel
powers all gain a +2 bonus to its power
rolls when used by the child.
Description: Eternal children are those who
are truly in-tune with what it is to be a kid.
They do their best to avoid everything that
can be attributed to being an adult. They
often place dependency on those who take
charge or offer them safety. They enjoy
life to the fullest, with a constant positive
attitude that paints them as fun loving and
humorous. Due to their nature, they often
ignore her chores or may convince others to
do it for them – as if it were a game. They will
do everything they can to encourage others to
“just be kids and have fun”. They are truly
in their element when they are playing games
with others. What nudges at the back of their
mind, is the thought that one day they will
grow up and the fun will have to be set aside
for more serious things.

• Provides +1 Health to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skills: Scouting
Firebrand
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for having attempted a
Sway skill roll in the past 24 in-game hours. Every 10 th level, this
bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as control powers all gain a +2 bonus
to its power rolls when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Organization to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Sway
Leader
Description: Leaders try to inspire responsibility in other children.
They strive for a strong community, where kids work together to
utilize their gifts for the betterment of everyone. Leaders seek
order in a chaotic world. They also look at problems as opportunities
to improve. Ultimately, the leader wants to ensure that everyone is
happy and is safe against those that seek to harm them. Leaders
are fearful of leading others to disaster. If such instances occur,
they often blame themselves for the failing of the team, even if
they only played a minor role.
Talents
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
Description: Firebrands are children who have latched onto an idea (or
a series of ideas) that they believe in, and constantly seek the support
of others. They can be ruthless when trying to push change to meet
those ideals, which often paints them as bullies. Those they call
friends are under her protection and they’ll ensure that no one harms
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• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for acting as a leader by inspiring others, taking initiative,
being decisive or using the Leadership skill roll within 24 in-game hours. Every 10 th level, this
bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as control powers all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls when used
by the child.
• Provides +1 Organization to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Leadership
45

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Nerd
Description: Nerds are kids who enjoy learning
specializing in a single topic of interest like
math, science and the supernatural. They look
for ways to change life, and try to influence
others in order to help them turn their
ideas into reality. They want to transform
themselves, or to make other things into
something better. They are true innovators.
Nerds are constantly looking forward, seeking
out a path to a better tomorrow. They
also enjoy uncovering mysteries to lifelong
secrets. With all the nerd’s good intentions,
if any of the changes in themselves, others
or through invention causes harm, they worry
it would undo everything they’ve ever stood
for.
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to her Bravery for
investigating, experimenting or tinkering
with something nerdy in nature within the
past 24 in-game hours. Every 10 th level,
this bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as
transformative powers all gain a +2 bonus
to its power rolls when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Education to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skills: Schooling (Any
Single Topic)
Nature
Description: Nature kids are one with the
outdoors. They both inspire and develop
strong relationships with animals. They
are meek, tender people with strong
emotions that others find appealing.
Despite the soft side of Mother Nature,
the nature kid understands the harsh
aspects of life and doesn’t fault them
for it. They are tough and know how to
survive in the wild. Nature children are
afraid of being cooped up for too long
46

Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
inside. They need to feel close with all that nature provides them; when restricted,
they start to feel empty.
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for 24 in-game
hours if their character has spent at least 4 hours
outside. Every 10 th level, this bonus increases by an
additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as creation powers
all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls
when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Food to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Scouting
Orphaned
Description: The orphaned kid has felt the
harsh sting of loneliness. Whether actually
an orphan or just feeling like the social
outcast of the family, the orphaned child
believes whole-heartedly that everyone
matters, even the “throwaways”. They
are down to earth and humble. They teach
empathy, encourage others to see reality as
it is, and some even have street smarts.
They are independent and very resilient.
Despite having grown up in a world of
loneliness, they fear being abandoned by
those who they are the closest too.
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery
for 24 in-game hours for taking time
by themselves for at least 1 hour.
Every 10 th level, this bonus increases
by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as travel
powers all gain a +2 bonus to its
power rolls when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Food to the
Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Scavenging
47

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Talents
Sweetheart
Description: The sweetheart is the child who
strives to make everyone their friend, as well
as find new parental figures they can look up to.
Family is important to the sweetheart; now that
her real parents are gone, they desperately seek
to rebuild their lost sense of family. They can
be romantics, by bringing both positive energy
and dedication to those who return her love.
Sweethearts will throw parties, dress well, give
gifts and do whatever they can to win other kids
over. Rejection is what some sweethearts worry
about the most; in most situations, they feel
they can overcome most people’s objections, but
if they’re refused company time and time again,
they start to look inward for what they did wrong.
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for spending time
improving a relationship in the last 24 in-game hours. Every
10 th level, this bonus increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as support
powers all gain a +2 bonus to its power rolls
when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Culture to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Sway
Warrior
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48

Talents
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for spending time pushing themselves
physically to the limit in the last 24 in-game hours. Every 10 th level, this bonus
increases by an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as energy powers all gain +2 bonus to its power rolls
when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Security to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Athletics
Wounded
Description: Is a child who holds
onto memories of neglect, abuse
or other forms of trauma. They
constantly feel misunderstood,
have trouble letting go of hurt
feelings, and is prone to sadness,
pain and suffering. The wounded
child sees a little of themselves
in the suffering of others. They
are very forgiving, especially if
they were the only ones who were
wronged. They are empathetic
and have a firm understanding
of what misery is like. They’ll do whatever
they can to make others feel happy. Wounded
children fear falling victim to others because of
how often it has happened in the past. This can
cause them not to trust other kids right away,
instead appearing cold or distant.
Talents
• They gain a +1 bonus to their Bravery for 24
in-game hours having a deep conversation,
witnessing the suffering of others, and
being sympathetic towards others’ plights.
Every 10 th level, this bonus increases by
an additional +1.
• Patches that are classified as transformative
powers all gain +2 bonus to its power rolls
when used by the child.
• Provides +1 Security to the Clubhouse.
Recommended Skill: Athletics
49

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
CIRCLES
In grade school, everyone is trying to figure out exactly who they are and where
they belong. Children form circles with those they hang out with. Some children
may even have multiple friend circles, but these are often the children who are very
good at fitting in. Beyond being good friends, there are groups of children who share
common characteristics with others of similar interests. These groups are considered
“circles” or cliques.
What is a Circle?
Everyone, children included, naturally organize themselves into groups in order to
create a social hierarchy. In grade school, kids will join these groups based upon where
they feel they belong. Once part of the circle, the child will quickly discover where
they are in order of ranking and importance to the group. Depending upon the head
child, known as the Princess or Prince, such expectations could require the child to act
a certain way, dress a certain way or even, and in more extreme circles, refuse to allow
the child to hang out with anyone outside the circle.
There are three roles inside a circle: Princess/Prince, Page and Jester. Anyone not
in these roles are considered “in-between” and are
still valued friends.
Princesses and Princes
Princesses and Princes are the
kids that everyone looks up to. These
individuals display higher self-esteem
and confidence than other kids. They
may be pretty, talented, rich or have
some other sort of privilege, such
as being the principal’s kid. While
some Princesses and Princes are
exceedingly friendly, occasionally they
can be aggressive, strong-willed or
even manipulative.
Whatever the princesses or prince
says goes; this is in regards to clothing
choice, what games they’ll play, whose
house the circle will hang out at, and how to treat others outside
of the circle. This is not to say that the princesses or prince are tyrants; just that the
other kids in circle give them the ability to make those choices either due to respect,
the inability to make decisions for themselves, or fear out of being singled out by the
rest of the circle.
When Princesses and Princes graduate from grade school and move into high
school, as long as they maintain their title and importance to the circle, they are
called Queens and Kings.
50

Page
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
A Page is a title given to
the next-in-line or second
in command beneath
a Princess or Prince.
These individuals are
considered the best
friend of the top kid and
the page supports them as
much as possible. When kids
in the circle have an issue
that may be circle related,
most go directly to the
Page in order to determine
if it’s worth bothering the
Princess or Prince about, or if they
are afraid that asking would result in
being viewed negatively.
Sometimes the Page role could
be given to multiple kids, which can be
childhood friends or those who closest
to the Princess/Prince.
Jesters
Much like there are children at the top of the circle,
there are also kids or a single kid, at the bottom. These
individuals are looked down on by the other children,
often being the subject of jokes or ridicule.
They are perhaps the ones who cannot live
up to the expectations of the Prince or
Princesses, aren’t very confident or may
be from a poorer family. Despite their
status, Jesters try to encourage the
other children in the circle to laugh
and be happy.
Circle Types
There are five circle types: Popular
Kids, Fringe Kids, Athletic Kids, Nerds/
Geeks and Loner Kids. At character
creation, the player may choose one circle
that they belong to. All kids who share the same circle gain
a +2 bonus when using the Sway and Empathy skill with
others in the circle, even if they have never met one another. Once a circle is chosen,
the player must roll 1d6 twice to determine what additional traits their character
receives for being part of the circle. If the same trait is rolled twice, roll again.
51

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Popular Kids
Everyone wants to be popular. It always seems that the
popular kids get the most breaks, have the most fun, get
invited to all the parties and no one makes fun of them. While
most of those perceptions are true, the popular kids aren’t
always free of troubles. Everyone admires them, which is a
good thing, but staying at the top isn’t a cakewalk. There are
always other kids who are willing to take their place, especially
fringe kids, so the popular kids have to do whatever they can
to keep being popular.
Popular kids are more confident than
everyone else, they appear more successful,
are highly appreciated and envied.
TABLE 2.1 - POPULAR KID TRAITS
1d6 Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trait Description
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Charismatic – Your character is very personable. Kids naturally like her.
She gains a +2 bonus when using the Sway skill.
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52

Fringe Kids
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
Fringe kids are
those who wish to be like
the popular kids but are
always on the outside of
their circle. Fringe kids
enjoy being able to freely
move between the other
circles without fear of
retribution. These kids are
accepted wherever they
go, but are more like secondary members
and don’t stick around as frequently as
primary members. Fringe kids are next in
line if something were to happen with the
popular kids, or, and in rare cases, fringe
kids may form an opposing circle to the
popular kids if circumstances were right.
Fringe kids are adaptive, are in-tune
with the other circles, are generally liked
and can often be mistaken as a popular kid.
TABLE 2.2 - FRINGE KID TRAITS
1d6 Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trait Description
Adaptive – Other circles treat you as if they were an unofficial member.
You gain a +2 Sway skill bonus when interacting with other circles.
In-Tune – You know who is who in each of the circles, what they have
been up to and know all the rumors. It’s a gift. Gain +2 skill bonus to
Aware rolls when needing information on other kids.
Ambitious – You have plans. Big plans! You have a strong will that
motivates you. You gain a +1 bonus to Willpower.
Mimic – You are able to latch onto other individuals (typically the princess
or prince of the popular kids) and mimics one of their traits. Choose one of
the popular kid traits: Confident, Manipulative, Charismatic or Pretty.
Gofer – You will try anything to impress others even get them things they
need. Once per day, you gain a bonus 1d6 to a single Skill roll when trying
to get things for others.
Pleaser – You have spent a lot of time pleasing other people. Once per
adventure, you may convert one resource into another resource by luck,
negotiation or from favors.
53

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Athletic Kids
These are kids who have found
friends in fellow students who share the
same passion as they do. Athletic kids may
include sports, running, swimming, dance or
any other physical activity. These kids strive
for the admiration of their teachers and
fellow students by performing well in
front of crowds of parents at local
and regional competitions. Athletic
kids are often invited to be part of
the popular kids, simply because
of their talent and prestige alone.
Athletic kids are looked up
to for their talents and skills. They
are respected, as well as encouraged,
by their fellow kids to be better than
they already are.
TABLE 2.3 - ATHLETIC KID TRAITS
1d6 Results
1
Trait Description
Competitive – You love to win and refuses to call it quits. When in direct
competition with someone else, once per day, you may add a bonus 1d6 to
a single skill roll.
2 Long Legged – Born with longer legs, you gain a +1 bonus to Speed.
3
Powerful – You are able to push yourself farther than most. You gain 3
additional synergy points.
4 Resilient – You can take a beating. You gain 3 additional hit points.
5
6
Healer – You are no stranger to injuries. You gain a +2 bonus when using
First Aid skill.
Best Equipped – You always find the best stuff regarding your favored
sport or athletic activity. Whenever making a Scavenge roll, add your skill
bonus from any one of the Strength, Body or Agility skills when looking
for a specific item used by that skill. Therefore, if you have a +2 in Sports
(Hockey), you gain a +2 bonus to your Scavenge roll when looking for
Hockey items.
54

Nerds/Geeks
Kid Types & Circles - Ch.2
These are kids who are intellectual, those
who obsess over less popular things such as
musical instruments, chess, photography, web
design or even role-playing games. Nerds and
Geeks do not follow the trends that are set
by the popular kids. They are usually
shy or introverted; so much that it
can create awkward situations when
kids outside their circles try to speak
with them. They are branded as too
different or too boring and can be the
target of humiliation by the other circles
– especially the popular kids.
Nerds and Geeks are practiced at
dodging bullies or just people in general
due to their shy nature. They enjoy games
and can often use their social awkwardness
to their advantage.
TABLE 2.4 - NERD/GEEK KID TRAITS
1d6 Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trait Description
Awkward – You can make others feel really uncomfortable, so much that
they want to leave. You may choose to influence NPC moods by adding 1
to the 1d6 NPC mood roll just by speaking. If the mood is a 5 or higher,
the NPC will get uncomfortable and attempt to leave first before wanting
to fight.
Specialist – Choose a skill beneath Intellect or Spirit, you become specialized
in that skill gaining a +2 bonus whenever the skill is rolled.
Dodgy – You have been dodging people and bullies for years. She gains a
+1 bonus to Evade.
Gamer – You enjoy playing games of all types. You gain a +2 bonus to the
Games skill.
Wall Flower – You can hide in plain sight and are often overlooked by
others. You gain a +2 bonus to Hide skill rolls.
Educator – When given a chance, you may use your knowledge to inspire
others. You provide a +1 bonus to Education at the Clubhouse.
55

Ch.2 - Kid Types & Circles
Loners
Loners are kids who don’t feel like they fit in
anywhere and have very few friends. They could
be geniuses, troubled, outcasts or maybe they just
don’t like people. Loners tend to like obscure music,
follow weird fashion trends, and set their own path.
They don’t care about the popular kids, and may even
dislike them. They are ridiculed for their interests,
which the loner will either ignore or fight against.
Loner kids are independent, deep thinkers,
artistic, creative, complicated and rebellious.
TABLE 2.5 - LONER KID TRAITS
1d6 Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
Trait Description
Tough – You have a rough past where the only person you could rely on
was yourself. You gain a +1 bonus to Resist rolls.
Soulful – There is a powerful depth to your soul. You may have 2 Heavy
higher than your Heart score before becoming your Shadow Self.
Gloomy – You are dark and gloomy. You might even dress that way too.
Creature’s moods are improved by 1 on the NPC Mood roll when encountering
you, and may even be up for talking if you’re alone.
Scary – Once per day, you can become Scary (like a monster) with a score
equal to your Bravery. This affects only children.
Empathic – Being a loner makes you more sensitive to other’s emotions.
You gain a +2 bonus on Empathy skill rolls.
Independent – You’ve been taking care of yourself for a while now. You
gain 1 free resource at the end of every adventure for the Clubhouse, or
this may be used for your secret clubhouse that no one knows about.
56

Chapter 3
Skills
As a character learns and grows, she will pick up some skills along the way
that helps identify her interests, hobbies, as well as her preferred areas of study. Skills
help kids make attacks, sway others to their way of thinking, run and hide from danger,
or scavenge for resources.
Every skill has a relative ability score that it is tied to. Whenever a character
increases their ability score to a 5s position, they gain 1 skill point to place in a single
skill belonging to that ability score. Also, whenever a character increases their ability
score to a 10s position, they also get an additional 1 skill point to invest in skills that
belong to that ability score.
TABLE 3.1 - SKILL POINTS GAINED
Ability Score 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Skill Pts. Earned 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Total Skill
Points
1 3 4 6 7 9 10 12
Whenever a character is called upon to make a skill roll, she will need to roll as follows:
2d6 + Ability Score + Skill Bonus = Result
57

Ch.3 - Skills
Even if a character does not have any skill points in a skill, she is still allowed to
make a skill roll if the situation calls for one. It is just that some characters are better
at certain skills than others.
Each ability score has a total of four skills that are beneath it. Of those four skills,
there is one skill where the player will need to select a skill focus in. Skill focuses
are like sub-skills; they act like individual skills but are all beneath the parent skill.
Whenever skill points are placed in a skill focus, those skill points only count when using
that particular focus. The skills that have skill focuses in them are: Sports, Athletics,
Rope, Schooling, Arts and Leadership.
SKILL LIST
TABLE 3.2 – SKILL LIST
Ability Score
Description
STRENGTH
Brawling
Climb
Muscles
Sports
Kicking, punching, biting, pushing and shoving are all things covered
by the brawling skill.
Able to move over objects, up trees, over ladders and many other
obstacles without suffering penalties.
The ability to push, pull and lift things that are heavy. The higher
the roll, the stronger the kid. Can also be used to throw heavy
things!
When a skill point is placed here the player must choose a type of
Sport (baseball, cricket, golf, lacrosse, hockey, rugby, badminton,
tennis, racquetball, fencing, soccer, volleyball, basketball, football
and more) The character is experienced in playing the sport as
well as using the equipment.
BODY
58
Athletics
Chores
Martial Arts
Sneaking
When a skill point is placed here, the player must choose
a type of Athletic (running, jumping, swimming, horseback
riding, rollerskating/blading, bicycling, ect.) The character is
experienced in the type of athletic as well as any equipment
that is used.
Picking up after yourself or others, cleaning things, maintaining
equipment, washing dishes, doing laundry in the most efficient
way possible. This can be used to improve the happiness of
others, or do chores in exchange for candy or other items.
Taekwondo, karate, kendo, judo, hapkido or other types of
Eastern fighting styles.
Ability to move quietly so as not to be detected. Movement is ½
speed. Also, allows one to lift objects of others without being
noticed.

Skills - Ch.3
TABLE 3.2 – SKILL LIST
Ability Score
Description
AGILITY
Aim
Gymnastics
Reaction
Ropes
When using a bow, slingshot, blowgun, dart, or tossing anything
through the air with precision, good aim is needed.
Being able to perform somersaults, backflips, cartwheels, as well
as using the balance beam, pommel horse, parallel bars or similar
equipment.
Ability to go first in a combat round, or being quick enough to
prevent something from happening. It’s also the ability to catch
things in mid-air.
When a skill point is placed here, the player must choose a type
of rope use (jump rope, lasso, knots and whips). The character is
then experienced in that type of ropes and any equipment that
is used.
INTELLECT
First Aid
Games
Schooling
Scouting
The ability to treat minor injuries, scrapes, and aid in the longterm
care of wounds.
Ability to play video games, board games, card games, or even
outdoor games well. Can be used to improve happiness.
When a skill point is placed here, the player must choose a favorite
subject they like to learn (math, science, art, music, history,
English, a foreign language, or something else). The character
excels in their subject of choice, and has advance knowledge of
it. Schooling may also be used to research different subjects to
gain understanding of how certain things work.
The child has some experience surviving off the land. They can
find and follow tracks, know which plants are safe to eat and which
are poisonous. They also have knowledge of the local wildlife.
SPIRIT
Arts
Aware
Hide
Scavenge
When a skill point is placed here, the player must choose a favorite
art subject they excel at: dancing, painting, drawing, pottery, a
musical instrument, acting, singing, and more. This gives them
knowledge of the art they chose and any equipment involved to
engage in it.
The ability to notice their surroundings and see if things are out
of place or hidden.
The ability to hide oneself from others.
The ability to find useful resources in most places. Does not
reveal hidden things.
59

Ch.3 - Skills
TABLE 3.2 – SKILL LIST
Ability Score
Description
HEART
Empathy
Fibbing
Leadership
Sway
The ability to notice and understand what others are feeling. It
also helps to determine when someone is fibbing, and can give
clues as to what the individual’s next actions are.
A unique ability to stretch the truth or outright lie in a believable
way.
The ability to get multiple kids to do what the character says
during times of crisis and every day happenings. When this skill
is chosen, they must pick a focus such as Cheer, Organize, Inspire
or Supervise Others.
The ability to encourage others to do think, believe or otherwise
do something that the swaying character desires.
SKILL DESCRIPTIONS
The skills are listed in alphabetical order. Read the “How to Read” section in order
to understand what the headings mean under each entry.
How to Read
• Name – This is the name of the skill.
• Ability Score – This is the ability score such as Strength, Body, Agility, Intellect,
Spirit or Heart that adds to the die roll.
• Action Type – Some skills require the use of an action in order to perform them.
This will be explained by 1 action, as part of a move action, multiple actions or
no action is needed.
• Skill Focus – This is labeled as yes or no, on whether or not there are skill focuses
available for this skill. Once a bonus has been added to a skill focus, it cannot
be changed. If there are multiple listings of what the skill can do, but it does not
have a skill focus, then all the aspects of the skill may be used by the character
and still receive the full bonus. The availability of the skill focus will be denoted
by either a yes or no.
• Description –The description will help you understand how the skill works.
60

Skills - Ch.3
Aim
Ability Score: Agility
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: 1 Action
Description: Aim is used whenever the character needs to either throw a small object
like a rock, a dart, or a marble at tiny target. If the character is using something
like a bow and arrow, a slingshot, a blow gun or anything else that seems like having
a good aim would be beneficial. Aim is used during
attack rolls.
Arts
Ability Score: Spirit
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Multiple
Description: Creativity is in your character’s
soul and she enjoys expressing herself in
one or more ways. Players who chose
this skill must select a skill focus. This
could be drawing, painting, sculpting, pottery,
photography, writing, poetry, acting, singing,
playing an instrument, dancing, baking or several
others. As long as the character has a full hour
in-game to perform the art, they can max out their
dice roll for a more consistent level of quality in
their work. Characters that do not have a skill point
in the skill focus cannot max out their die rolls, even
with one full hour of attention.
Inspire Happiness – Art skills of the
performance variety can provide a bonus to a
Clubhouse’s Happiness ability score equal to the
skill roll divided by 5 (rounded down). This bonus
remains until the end of the gaming session. It
takes a full hour of performance to gain this
bonus.
Provide Culture – Artistic skills that result in a
physical product can provide a bonus to a Clubhouse’s Culture
ability score equal to the skill roll divided by 5 (rounded down).
This bonus remains until the end of the gaming session.
61

Ch.3 - Skills
Sometimes an art skill can be used outside of its intended purpose. Drawing a
picture of a monster the character saw could help others to identify and its weaknesses
based upon how accurate the picture is. Another instance could be the character
performing for a group of hostile kids who demand her to perform for them or get beat
up instead. The limits of the skill are up to the storyteller.
Athletics
Ability Score: Body
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Move Action
Description: Athletics is a
broad skill set that describes
the character’s ability to
ride an animal, run, swim and
jumping & leaping. Characters
who are athletic have more
energy and may often have
friendly competitions with
other kids just so they can
test themselves. A few skill
focuses are as follows:
Jumping & Leaping – A character can
jump from standing a number of squares equal to
her Athletics skill roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
When calculating a standing jump, it’s good to include
the character’s height and an additional 30% for the
length of the character’s arms to reach a higher
ledge. When leaping forward, the number of squares
a character can leap is her Athletics skill roll divided
by 5 (rounded down). For every 2 squares (10 feet) the
character travels while running, she adds 1 additional
square of distance while leaping.
Ride – Can be used to break an animal that would
allow a character to ride it. Wild animals don’t like people to
ride on them and so they may react violently. The character
would need to make an Athletics skill roll against the animal’s
Willpower defense roll. In order to break the animal so that it would n o
longer fight and allow the character to ride it, 3 skill rolls must be made in
consecutive order. Rolling all 1s and failing the roll will result in the character
being thrown off the animal.
It may take several in-game months of feeding, grooming and riding to get
the animal to accept the character as a friend. Each month, the player character
62

Skills - Ch.3
must make an Athletics skill roll against the animal’s Willpower defense roll, if
this is also accomplished the animal’s mood reduces by 1 on the d6 for NPC Moods.
The ride skill may be used much like run is used to increase the number of squares
traveled except that it applies to the beast’s speed while the character rides
it. Further, the child can attempt to perform tricks in the saddle, much like Arts
(Inspire Happiness) to impress others.
Run – As part of a move-related action, the player character may roll Athletics and
divided the result by 5 (rounded down). The result adds as a bonus to the character’s
Speed while moving on land or in the air if the character has the means to fly. This
bonus lasts for only that round. If the player decides to use two actions to move, the
player does not need to make a second Run skill roll; the bonus from the previous
action just carries over. For example, if the Run roll is 16, then the character gains +3
bonus to Speed. This means for each action, the character gains a +3 bonus to her
base Speed. While running, that character suffers a 1 die penalty on all attack rolls,
but gains a 1 die bonus on all Defense (Evade) rolls until the end of that round.
Swim – The character’s base Swim Speed is equal to their normal
Speed. A player may choose to have their character increase their swim
speed using the same rules as running.
Aware
Ability Score: Spirit
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: No Action
Description: Everyone can use their normal senses to
get a feel for the world around them; this skill allows
for more. Those who invest points in Aware are able to
find hidden things or track something that is invisible
better than others. Hidden things can be like a secret
passageway or even a light trail of cookie crumbs.
Whenever there is a hint, a clue, or a small detail
that may help the character, they must roll high on an
Aware skill roll in order to notice it. A character with
a high Aware skill would do well as a night guard to
watch for monsters while the other kids sleep. Aware
may even be used when there is no physical sense that
can detect it, yet there is a chill to the air, or a feeling
of wrongness. This is the character’s gut feeling and
they could be warned ahead of time when something
just doesn’t feel right.
The storyteller will set the difficulty of the
object, NPC or detail that can be identified through
an Aware skill roll, or the difficulty can be based off
a character’s Hide or Sneaking roll. If the Aware skill
wins over the difficulty score, then the character is
able to notice it.
63

Ch.3 - Skills
Brawling
Ability Score: Strength
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Attack Action
Description: Brawling is whenever a
character decides to harm someone
else using only their body as a weapon.
Most children follow rules that their
parents taught them – fighting isn’t
okay unless okay unless absolutely needed.
They also generally don’t do much for
brawling outside of punches and kicks as
most have been taught not to bite, scratch
or pull hair. Not everyone follows those
rules, though, and sometimes when in the
middle of a battle, a child just doesn’t think
about those types of things and a child will
do anything in order to escape or win against
their attacker. It’s a tough world out there!
Brawling is rolled whenever the player
character makes an unarmed attack. They
gain a +1 to her damage for every skill point
placed in Brawling; this bonus also applies as
normal to the skill roll when making an attack
using Brawling. For example, the child decides
to kick a monster and rolls her Brawling skill,
resulting in an 18. The monster’s Evade is
only 13, leaving 5 points as additional damage for a wellplaced
blow, on top of +2 damage for having two points in
Brawling (total of 7 damage).
Chores
Ability Score: Body
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Multiple
Description: Even though all the adults are gone, it does not mean that chores disappeared
too. With the electricity out, chores are even harder. Cleaning, dusting, doing laundry,
washing the dishes – all those things are hard work. Most of the time it isn’t about how
difficult the chore is, but how quickly a child can get through it. Depending upon the
number of kids in the clubhouse, the storyteller will produce a number that represents
how many chores need to be completed. Whatever the player rolls their Chores skill,
the result subtracts off that number. A single Chores skill roll represents 1 hour of
work. If chores aren’t completed each day, it can cause Happiness to go down. Any
64

Skills - Ch.3
remaining chores carry over to the next day. Not all chores must be done every day,
yet for game purposes there is an average number of chores that need to be completed
daily (See Chapter 11 – Clubhouse for more information).
Certain construction projects or clubhouse add-ons can require a number of chores
that need completed before it is built. These chores are separate from the daily chore
amount. Once the number is met on a project, the project is considered complete.
Climb
Ability Score: Body
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Move Action
Description: Kids love to climb, and, when one is super charged
and battling monsters, climbing becomes a necessity. Obstacles
no more than 5 ft. tall cost 2 squares in order to move around,
under or over them. If the character needs to climb a wall, a cliff,
a ledge or something similar, she would roll a Climb skill every
move action to determine whether she is able to make progress.
If the roll is successful, the character is able to move 1 square, +1
additional square per every 5 points the character defeated the
difficulty skill by. For example, if the challenge was a difficulty
of 12 and the player rolled a 22, then she would be able to move
3 squares vertically or horizontally. The more challenging the
surface, the more difficult the challenge becomes. If the roll is
not met, then the character cannot move. If all 1s are rolled on
the dice, and the difficulty is not met, then the character falls.
Empathy
Ability Score: Heart
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: No Action/Multiple
Description: Not everyone says what they are feeling and they
may pretend nothing is bothering them even though they are
really hurting inside. Empathy is a way to notice when someone
is acting outside of her usual self. When someone is trying
to hide her true feelings or if they are trying to lie, a player
character may roll their Empathy skill against the opponent’s
Fibbing skill. If the Empathy roll succeeds, the character has an
idea of what the other individual is feeling and whether or not
what they are saying is matching up to it.
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Ch.3 - Skills
Comfort Others - Empathy can also be used to determine when someone has
delved into their shadow self. If the character influenced by their shadow self an
Empathy skill roll divided by 10 (rounded down) can provide a compassion bonus to
their Heart score when calculating Heaviness from patches. This bonus may come from
multiple kids in the form of hugs and other caring gestures to the troubled individual.
The bonus lasts for 24 in-game hours. For example, Mary has fallen into her shadow self.
Robert and Melissa both notice the change and roll their Empathy skill. Robert rolled a
20 and Melissa rolled an 11. Robert adds +2 while Melissa adds +1, granting a +3 bonus
to Mary’s Heart bonus, which makes it just enough for her to pull out of her shadow
self for the rest of the day. Characters may not comfort others while
engaged in combat. Comforting someone requires multiple actions
to perform, which can generally take up to 10 minutes on average.
Fibbing
Ability Score: Heart
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: No Action
Description: No one likes a liar, but sometimes it’s
best to hide the truth. Whenever the character
needs to lie, or hide her feelings, she will need to
roll her Fibbing skill. The result of the roll acts as
the difficulty score an opponent will need to beat
with her Empathy skill to determine if the player
character is not telling the truth. When a character
successfully lies, the other person has no other choice
but to believe her.
First Aid
Ability Score: Intellect
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: One Action/Multiple
Description: Getting hurt can happen while playing,
and it certainly happens more often now that everyone
has superpowers. While there are powers that can
heal injuries, not everyone has access to those, so it’s
good to know first aid and how to care for children
who are trying to recover from major wounds.
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Skills - Ch.3
Bandage – As long as the character has access to bandages, or she makes some,
she may restore a number of hit points equal to the First Aid skill roll divided by 5
(rounded down). A kid cannot receive the full benefits of First Aid from being bandaged
multiple times. They may only receive the benefits from the highest First Aid roll no
matter how many others attempt to bandage them. If the character was bandaged
and then someone else rolled a higher First Aid skill, the injured would benefit from
the difference of the two. For example, if one restored 3 hit points and another was
able to restore 5, then the injured child would benefit from the original 3 but only gain
2 more from the second time. If ever the child is injured again, even if it was only
for 1 hit point, the injured child could be bandaged a second time and receive the full
benefits of First Aid.
Wound Recovery – Without aid from a superpower, wounds heal at a slower rate
of 1, plus 1 additional per a character’s Body score divided by 10 (rounded down) per
in-game week. Under long-term care, which requires at least 1 hour devoted to that
child per day for a week, the child recovers 1 additional wound per the First Aid skill
divided by 10 (rounded down) in that in-game week time. If the child has less than the
number of wounds that would heal, take the number of wounds that can be healed and
divide it by 7 days. Once the right number of days per wound
passes, the child has made a full recovery. For example,
Hans sustained 2 wounds and will naturally recover those
wounds in 1 full week. Janice tends to him and rolls
her First Aid skill and rolls a 22. With Hans’ natural
healing, in one full week, Hans will heal 4 wounds.
Because Hans only had 2 wounds, he will heal in ½
the time which is 3.5 days.
Games
Ability Score: Intellect
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Multiple
Description: Card games, board games, role-playing
games, hide and seek, kick the can, capture the
flag, freeze tag, hopscotch, red rover, video games
and many others are all covered under this skill.
Children can play games during the day to boost
their Bravery, or as a form of competition. When
in competition, the Games skill roll versus the
opponent’s Games skill roll is used to determine
who wins. In games of chance, a Luck roll may be
better suited.
Bravery Boost – The child who is leading the game is the one
who rolls their Games skill. All those who participated gain a +1
Bravery bonus per the Game skill roll divided by 10 (rounded down)
for 24 in-game hours. Most games take about 1 hour to complete.
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Ch.3 - Skills
Gymnastics
Ability Score: Agility
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Move Action
Description: Walking along a
narrow ledge or tight wire,
doing somersaults, backflips,
tumbling, vaulting and other
feats of amazing strength
and agility can be performed
by a gymnast.
Balance - Gymnastics helps with keeping one’s balance. While trying to move
across a thin surface, the character must make a Gymnastics skill roll against the
challenge suggested in the table below. If the difficulty is met, then the character is
able to move a number of squares equal to 1/4 th her current speed with a minimum of
1 square per action. If the Gymnastic roll fails, then the character cannot move that
action. If the Gymnastic roll fails and all 1s are rolled, then the character falls.
Depending on how much room the character has to walk can influence how
difficult the balance roll could be. Also, there are several modifiers that can make
balancing easier or harder.
Balance Difficulty Levels
Situation
4 inch wide surface, similar to a balance
beam
2 inch wide surface, similar to a wooden
beam
Challenge Level
CL 15
CL 20
1 inch wide surface, a truss or pipe CL 25
Tight wire CL 30
Modifiers
68
High Winds
Hard to See/Too Dark
Surface is wet
Moving Quickly (1/2 Speed)
Jumping or Evading
+5 to +15 CL
+5 CL
+5 CL
+10 CL
+10 CL

Skills - Ch.3
Acrobatics - Impressive to watch, Gymnastics allows the character to perform
marvelous flips, slides and other acrobatic feats. When in combat, characters may use
their Gymnastic skill to move a number of squares over obstacles and opponents as
long as there is room. They may move a number of squares equal to the Gymnastic
roll divided by 10 (rounded down) that normally would be impossible to move through,
as long as the character ends their movement in an open square. This does not grant
additional movement. Example: Asha needs to get past a monster but she can’t go
around. She rolls her Gymnastics and gets a 25. She’s able to move 2 squares, 1 over
the monster, and ends 1 square behind it. This is part of her move action, so she suffers
no penalties doing so.
Hide
Ability Score: Spirit
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Action
Description: There are times when hiding is fun. It can
even be a crucial part of playing the game. Keeping safe
from monsters or other opponents requires a strong
Hide skill. The Hide skill is rolled any time that the
character is unobserved by those she wishes to hide
from. For example, if the character is running from
a bully and ducks down an alleyway, they now have
an opportunity to hide. The result of the roll acts
as the difficulty level for the seeking opponent,
as they will need to roll their Aware skill to
find the character. If the opponent is unable
to defeat the Hide skill roll, they are unable
to find the character. The opponent may
attempt to keep looking, or may give up
and move elsewhere. Regardless of what
the opponent does, the opponent will not
be able to directly find where she is. If the
opponent rolls over the Hide skill results,
then the character is found.
Leadership
Ability Score: Heart
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Action
Description: There are so many things that go into
being a great leader. While there are many things that
leaders may focus on, for purposes of game, they
are: cheering, connecting, inspiring and supervising.
A leader is not always “the boss”, or someone who
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Ch.3 - Skills
believes they are better than others. A leader can be a caring individual who just
wants to use their talents to help others. When a player invests skill points in
Leadership, she must choose which of the following she would like to place her
points into as a skill focus:
Cheer – Everyone holds a little of themselves back from all the things they do.
This is usually out of self-doubt or feeling overwhelmed. Kids cheer for each other,
especially at sporting events, which helps kids to give their all. Once per scene, a
character may cheer by rolling her Leadership (Cheering) skill. The targeted child is
restored 1 synergy point per the result divided by 5 (rounded down). The leader may
affect a number of children equal to the number of skill points invested in this skill
focus. The targeted child must be engaged in some activity where cheering would help
boost their spirits. All instances where cheering would be useful is up to the storyteller.
Connecting – This skill allows the character to be someone others look up to. For
every skill point invested in Connecting will grant +1 to a clubhouse’s Organization. In
addition, a Leadership skill roll can be made once per gaming session against a difficulty
level set by the storyteller to see if there are any problems or gossip going around the
clubhouse. This same skill may be used with kids who are outside the clubhouse to get
information about other clubhouses or news about other kids.
Leadership (Connecting) Information Rolls
Information Type
Basic Information (How well are things running? Any
suggestions how to live better?)
Difficult Information (What is scaring everyone? What are
people saying about me or others?)
Challenging Information (Which one of your friends is
stealing from the clubhouse? Who here is bullying you?)
Challenge Level
CL 15
CL 25
CL 30
70
Impossible Information (Tell me everyone’s secrets) CL 35+
Inspire – Leaders inspire not just through words but also through actions. As long
as the leader is in sight, she provides a +1 Bravery bonus per the Leadership (Inspire)
roll divided by 10 (rounded down) to all allies. This affects only 1 child, plus 1 additional
child per skill point invested in this skill focus. This benefit is lost if somehow the leader
faints, disappears or otherwise is unable to be seen. Multiple leaders cannot inspire the
same kid. If there are two leaders, the kid being inspired chooses who she listens to and
gets the bonus from.
Supervise – When a group of people—especially kids—get together to work on a
project, someone needs to ensure everyone is doing things in the most organized way
possible. Each child gains a +1 bonus to their skill roll per the Leadership (Supervise)
roll divided by 5 (rounded down). A leader is able to give this bonus to 5 children per
skill point invested in this skill focus. This bonus only applies to all the kids working
on the same project. Examples of use would be everyone working together to lift
a heavy object, to build something for the clubhouse, or using the same patches to
create a more powerful effect.

Martial Arts
Skills - Ch.3
Ability Score: Body
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Attack Action
Description: Children train as young as 6 years old
in a variety of different Eastern martial arts styles
including, but not limited to, Judo, Karate, Chun
Kuk Do, Gouging, Jujutsu, Aikido, Kendo, Ninjutsu
and Sumo. Martial arts teaches discipline and
self-confidence, on top of being ready to defend
oneself or others when necessary. Whenever the
character makes an attack, she may roll 2d6 +
Body + Martial Arts in order to strike an opponent.
Some weapons even require martial arts training
for the character to use that weapon. If using her
natural attacks such as fists, head or feet, then
the character gains +1 damage per her Body score
divided by 10 (rounded down).
Muscles
Ability Score:
Strength
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Action
Description: Muscles represents a higher
development in one’s physical strength, often
through regular exercise and weight lifting. When
needing to lift something, push/pull something,
holding a door shut or even have an arm wrestling
contest, the character must roll their Muscles skill to
see how well they perform. The muscle skill works
for one-time actions, as the endurance required to
use those muscles all the time would be exhausting.
The result of the skill roll is treated as the new
temporary Strength score regarding those feats.
This does not influence attack rolls. Also, for every
skill point in Muscles, the character is allowed to
carry 1 additional Large Object without penalty.
Throwing – A character may throw an object
equal to her carrying capacity. For every 10 lbs., the
object is treated as having +1 damage. The object
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Ch.3 - Skills
may only be thrown a number of squares equal to the Muscle skill roll divided by 5
(rounded down). For every 10 lbs. above the character’s carrying capacity, the range of
the throw is penalized by 1 square.
Reaction
Ability Score: Strength
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: None
Description: Whenever something suddenly happens, like a
vase falls from off the table, a close-by friend slips off the
edge of a cliff, or combat begins, the Reaction skill measures
how quickly your character can react. When combat begins,
roll the Reaction skill, with the highest roll always going
first in turn order.
Midair Snatch – If something is thrown at the character,
she may make an attempt to catch it. These objects can
be dangerous weapons, thrown cars (depending on strength)
and other projectiles. As long as the character can lift
the object, she may make a Reaction skill roll against the
opposing attack roll. If the character succeeds, she is
able to grab the object midair. If she fails, then she treats
her Reaction skill as if it were a defense skill, taking the
difference in the roll as additional damage on top of the
weapon damage. This also applies in situations where the
character needs to catch someone who is falling.
Rope
Ability Score: Agility
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Action
Description: Rope can be used in a variety of ways such
as tying knots, lassoing (or roping) an animal or person,
attaching it to a high place to allow for a climb or using it
like a whip. When a player invests skill points in Rope, she
must choose which of the following she would like to place
her points into as a skill focus:
Knots – There are many different knots and purposes
for each. Your character is fully aware of the different
types and is skilled at tying them. There is no need for
your character to roll when tying down objects. She must,
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Skills - Ch.3
however, roll her Rope (Knots) skill when someone is trying to untie or escape from her
knots, as the result is treated as the challenge level for those who are trying to untie
it or escape from them by rolling their own Rope (Knots) skill. If the opponent’s roll
is successful by exceeding the character’s original roll, they are able to untie the knot.
Lassoing – Known to cowhands as roping, these ropes can be tied, swung and
tossed overhead to snare objects, animals, people or even monsters. A Rope skill roll is
required to lasso a target from afar. The rope can be from 28 feet to 70 feet in length.
If the skill roll is successful, the target is lassoed and can be either tied off to a nearby
object, or controlled by the lassoer by pulling in the target with an opposed Muscle skill
roll. As long as the lasso is controlled by the lassoer, the rope will keep taut and will
not allow the individual who as lassoed to escape it. The only way to escape it is to
somehow loosen the slack, cut it, burn it, or otherwise destroy the rope.
Lassoing may also be used for trick roping, which is a
performance style that uses the rope to perform tricks. If
used in this way, see the Art skill when inspiring happiness.
Whips – Whips may be about 3 to 20 feet from the handle
in length, that may be used to attack in combat, or they may
be used to grab distant objects within 10-15 feet by wrapping
the end around it and yanking it to the wielder. Whips may
also be used to wrap around higher objects. They also allow
the character to swing from one ledge to the other, which
is based upon the length of the whip. When trying to grab a
distant object, the player character must make a Whips skill
roll against the target’s Evade score. If no Evade score is
present, use the Evade score of the individual holding it, or a
difficulty level of 10, whichever is higher.
Scavenge
Ability Score: Spirit
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Multiple
Description: In a world without parents, children have to do
their best to go out and find as many resources as possible
each day. Resources include food, batteries, drinks, materials,
medicine and toys.
Searching - Every building or area is given a challenge
level assigned by the storyteller, based on how picked over
the area is. The higher the challenge level, the less likely it is
that, there is much left in the area for the characters to find.
However, there is always the chance a few things have been
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Ch.3 - Skills
missed by previous children. Player characters may roll their Scavenge skill roll with
the result put against the storyteller’s challenge level. If the roll is successful, then the
character finds something. For every 5 points the roll defeats the challenge level by,
it grants 1 additional resource. It takes 10 minutes to fully search an area. For every
resource that the character finds, roll 1d6 to determine which kind.
Resources Gained
Roll 2d6 Results
Type of Resource Gained
1-2 Materials
3-4 Medicine
5-6 Food
7-8 Drinks
9-10 Batteries
11-12 Toys
More information on resources may be found in Chapter 6 – Clubhouse.
Open Locks – Scavengers learn to get into locked doors, cabinets, trunks
and other areas by utilizing things such as bobby pins, knives, old keys, forks or
even pens to pick the locks. The challenge level of the lock is determined by the
storyteller. If the Scavenge skill roll is successful, the lock opens. It costs 2 actions
to lock pick something.
Schooling
Ability Score: Intellect
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Action
Description: All kids are required to attend school.
This skill focuses on specific subjects that the
child has greatly excelled in: science, mathematics,
meteorology, geology, chemistry, physiology, literature,
history, politics, writing, speaking, theater, foreign languages,
musical theory, art history, and much more. When selecting
this skill, the player must choose a favorite subject. Beyond
being knowledgeable in the topics, the character may perform
the following actions:
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Skills - Ch.3
Educated Guess - A character can make an educated guess regarding other
subjects, gaining ½ their highest School skill point bonus. Often subjects cross with the
character’s favorite topic and it may something they can apply to the current situation.
Foreign Language – If the child specializes in a foreign language (which may be
any language, including English) they are able to speak and write it at a basic level using
small words and elementary sentence structure, for 1 skill point. For 2 skill points, the
character has achieved an intermediate level, being able to keep a conversation going
and being able to write letters; the character’s grammar and sentence structure still
needs improvement. For 3 skill points, the character has achieved an advanced level is
able to speak the foreign language as if it were her native one. Skill points in a foreign
language also provide information regarding the language speakers’ culture. Starting
characters are all able to speak/read/write English. If they are from another country or
different culture, they may speak/read/write that language as well for free. If the game
is played in a country where English isn’t the first language, the rules are reversed,
with the primary language of that country as the native language and characters from
another country knowing your language plus their own.
Scouting
Ability Score: Spirit
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Action
Description: Many kids have joined scouting
organizations, were taught by friends or
family, or could have even learned on their
own an abundance of life, survival and nature
skills. Scouting can help identify tracks,
plants, animals, birds and fish. Characters
with this skill have some knowledge
regarding rafting, camping and backpacking.
While this does not cover everything that
a scout does, this skill may be called upon
to acquire information regarding several
outdoor activities and things in nature. Scouting may
be used in lieu of Scavenging when looking for some
resources in the wild. It’s up to the storyteller to
decide what resources can and cannot be found in the
wild. If restricted resources are rolled, the player
character may roll again. This skill may also assist
in building a fire and keeping it lit enough to provide
a light bonus to keep monsters away. When needing
to build a big fire, the child can add a +1 light bonus
per the skill roll divided by 10 (rounded down). A roll
of all 1s could cause the fire to become uncontrolled.
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Ch.3 - Skills
Sneaking
Ability Score: Body
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: Move Action
Description: Sneaking allows the character
to move silently so as not to alert someone
else of their presence. The character makes
a Sneaking skill roll and is able to move a
number of squares equal to 1 plus 1 additional
square per the skill roll divided by 10 (rounded
down) up to a maximum of their Speed score.
The Sneaking skill roll acts as the opposing
difficulty level an opponent needs to meet
against an opponent’s Aware skill roll in order
to detect them moving. Sneaking does not
render the character invisible, but it may be
used together with the Hide skill. Sneaking
can also be used to steal an object from
someone without being seen.
Pickpocket – When not in combat, a
character may attempt to take an object
off another person. A Sneaking skill roll is
made against the target’s opposing Aware
skill roll. If the Sneaking roll is successful,
the character is able to take 1 pocketable
item from that individual. If the roll fails, the
target becomes aware of the character trying
to take something from them.
Sports
Ability Score: Strength
Skill Focus: Yes
Action Type: Attack Action/Multiple
Description: Badminton, baseball, basketball,
cricket, dodgeball, football, hockey, softball,
tennis, volleyball and several other sports are
encompassed in this skill. Players who invest
a skill point in this must choose what sport
they are going to focus in. Skill focuses grant
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Skills - Ch.3
knowledge on how the sport is played, as well as how to use any of the equipment
involved with it. Most children use their knowledge of sports to help them learn how to
use a weapon. For example, if a character has invested 2 skill points in Sports (Baseball)
the character knows how to throw baseballs and how to use a bat to attack with. When
making an attack with equipment related to the sport, the player rolls their Sports skill
roll. Playing the actual sport can take several hours, while attacking costs a single
attack action.
Sway
Ability Score: Heart
Skill Focus: No
Action Type: None
Description: Coaxing a child out of hiding, asking
for more candy in trade for some batteries,
persuading a kid to come away from the edge
of the building, encouraging everyone to eat ice
cream instead of brownies; or – all of these
things require use of the Sway skill. Whenever
the character wants to convince someone of
something, or ask them to do something they
don’t w ant to do, they can roll their Sway skill
against their Willpower. If the opponent fails
her Willpower defense roll, then the opponent
becomes convinced.
Not every conversation can be solved with a simple Sway skill roll; there could
be multiple points that need to be addressed before an opponent gives in. This may
be represented by multiple Sway skill rolls. Sway is different than fibbing because it
relies upon belief and truth as opposed to lies and deceit. If the character fails to
convince someone with their Sway skill roll, the Sway skill cannot be rolled again for
that same line of reasoning as the individual has declined it, but there is always room
for negotiation and therefore the character may attempt to approach the subject from
a different angle. For example, if Xia is trying to trade 3 candy bars to Helena for her
comic books, and Helena rolls her Willpower and defeats Xia’s roll, then the deal is a no
go. Xia decides to add 1 additional candy bar to the deal and she may roll again.
There are bonuses that may be added by the storyteller when an opponent is
rolling her Willpower against the character’s Sway roll, especially if the request involves
putting her in harm’s way or the request is too outlandish.
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78

Chapter 4
Patches
Every child woke with a patch stitched onto their souls. Those who wished
to trade in, remove, or add a new patch, the children who worked at the SOK Market
were more than happy to help. Who would have thought that a child’s soul lies in their
feet? (See Chapter 10 – The Dark Side of Applewood).
Patches are imbued with magical properties that give children their unique abilities.
These powers vary depending upon the nature of the patch. Each patch falls within
at least one of seven categories: Control, Creation, Energy, Imaginative, Support,
Transformative and Travel. Patches may be traded, exchanged, added and removed
at the SOK Market. Most patches are approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. Patches
cannot be destroyed, no matter how powerful the attack or circumstances.
WHAT IS THE SOK MARKET?
The SOK Market is run by a pair of children. The child who monitors the front
desk, has an Analyzer patch – they greet those who come inside and offer information
on patches. The other child has a Seamstress patch – they wait in the back and is the
one who adds or removes patches from other children. Many areas of the house are off
limits to visitors, but none more so than the upper floors. There are creatures who work
upstairs, lever-pullers that control the six spider-like legs from beneath the foundation
of the house so it may scurry about at night. The market can be heard from quite a
distance, as its mechanisms and legs clank about. First impressions one receives from
the lobby is that the house is well taken care of, however, outside the visitors’ area the
house is in disrepair and in some cases falling apart.
PATCHES FOR TRADE
The SOK Market has at least four different patches for trade at any time. These
can be determined by drawing randomly from the synergy deck or the storyteller
chooses. Patches cannot be bought or sold – at least not here – but they can be traded.
Patches that are traded are a one-to-one basis: in order to pick one patch, the child
79

Ch.4 - Patches
must give a patch in return. Having them removed or added onto a child’s soul is always
free. Children who find patches outside of the SOK Market may bring them here to have
them attached.
The SOK Market just has two rules:
1) They won’t remove or add a patch without a child’s consent.
2) Every child must have at least 1 patch. The SOK Market will refuse to remove
it or else “bad things” will happen. This means that whenever removing a patch
they add one first before removing the previous one.
How is it done?
Patches may be added to a character’s soul by someone who has a Seamstress
Patch. The seamstress takes a silver needle and sticks it into the foot of another
character, which then draws the soul out like an elastic band. Often, the soul is held
down by a clamp on an opposing wall or by someone really strong so that the seamstress
can find a “hole” to patch up. Holes are created by severe moments of loss or pain.
Once a patch is stitched on, the soul is released and it returns inside the child’s body.
The child, during this time, may feel some discomfort, vulnerable and a little pain. They
are unable to move, however as a body without a soul, it becomes paralyzed and cold
to the touch.
IT FEELS HEAVY…
When a new patch is added, the character no longer feels the pain from that loss
anymore. However, when a child has too many patches, they feel all their pain at once
and descend into their shadow selves. Most children don’t know how much a patch will
weigh on them, and if the SOK Market knows, they certainly haven’t given any warnings.
While patches offer significant advantages in surviving the parentless world, they
also have their drawbacks. Kids can feel the weight on their heart. This weight makes
it difficult for them to feel sympathy for others, as they can become too preoccupied
with how they are feeling. This leaves children extremely hesitant to pick up any new
ones while others do so simply to escape the pain or have an edge against monsters.
Patches are also known to relieve a broken heart, especially when it comes to missing
one’s parents or perhaps a friend who was lost to the night. So it can also be beneficial,
if used carefully.
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Patches - Ch.4
COMMONLY KNOWN PATCHES
TABLE 4.1 – COMMONLY KNOWN PATCHES
CONTROL PATCHES
Power Name Summary Heaviness Playing Card
Animal Ears Controls Animals. 5 2s
Earth Splits the ground. 8 3s
Flashlight Make light cause damage. 5 4s
Heart Warmer Makes friends with a touch. 5 5s
Moon
Makes items weightless and may
stop objects in the air.
6 6s
Push Move objects with mind. 6 7s
Whistler Turn sound into a weapon. 6 8s
Youth** Stop aging. 10 9s
CREATION PATCHES
Bubbler
Chemist
Creates bubble duplicates of people
and objects. Can make forcefields.
Creates acidic chemicals that melt
whatever they touch.
6 10s
5 Jack s
Clover Generates Luck. 7 King s
Energizer Generates electricity. 5 Queen s
Hair Strider May use hair like hands and feet. 5 Ace s
Light Maker Creates physical shapes out of light. 8 2C
World Tree Plant control. 6 3C
ENERGY PATCHES
Glitterbomb
Life Drain
Rainbows
Rocketeer
Causes objects to explode like
fireworks.
Drains life from one and gives it to
another.
May call down rainbows and channel
rainbow ribbons.
May strike an object to create
an explosion to deal damage or
increase their speed.
6 4C
5 5C
6 6C
7 7C
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Ch.4 - Patches
TABLE 4.1 – COMMONLY KNOWN PATCHES
ENERGY PATCHES
Sandbox Creates heat and sand. 8 8C
Snowflake Freeze others. 7 9C
Sun
Increases running speed and imbues
items with heat and flame. Needs to
be charged up.
IMAGINATIVE PATCHES
6 10C
Drawing Creates drawings that become real. 7 Jack C
Lullaby Singing causes sleep. 6 King C
Memory Keeper
Mind Light
Oracle
Puppeteer
Spirit Whisperer
Disintegrates objects and places in
memory, may be kept forever in her
mind or reintegrate at a later date.
May speak telepathically and place
images in kids’ heads.
Able to see past, present and
possible future. Sense monsters.
May make dolls, stuffed animals and
similar objects come to life with
personality they choose. They obey
the character.
Summon and commune with spirits.
Able to raise the dead.
6 Queen C
7 Ace C
8 21
5 31
4 41
Vanish Able to turn invisible. 6 51
SUPPORT PATCHES
Analyzer*
Chain Link
Ability to know powers, skills, ability
scores and weaknesses.
Transfers highest ability scores and
powers to everyone in the link.
4 61
4 71
Clapping Handclap to boost ability scores. 5 81
Infinity May heal self and others; never dies. 8 91
Night Eyes Manipulate Auras/See Auras. 4 101
Royal Touch
Grant knightly armor to whoever
you touch.
5 Jack 1
Stopwatch Able to pause time. 9 King 1
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Patches - Ch.4
TABLE 4.1 – COMMONLY KNOWN PATCHES
TRANSFORMATIVE PATCHES
Alchemy Changes one material into another. 7 Queen 1
Animalism Gains animal Traits. 6 Ace 1
Angel Wings** Transform into an Angel. 10 22
Copycat
Take others’ forms, abilities, skills
and powers.
6 32
Eat me/Drink me Shrink and Grow. 7 42
Seamstress*
Allows to add, remove patches as
well as temporarily make them
heavier.
9 52
The Devourer** You become what you eat. 8 62
Wave Transforms into a watery body. 7 72
TRAVEL PATCHES
Dimensional Hop Hopscotch to new dimensions. 4 82
Fly Ability to fly, and walk on wind. 6 92
Ghost Able to pass through walls. 5 102
Portal Key
Rebound
May connect one door to another to
travel between distances, may bring
others along.
Able to Leap to great heights and
bounce.
6 Jack 2
5 King 2
Stick Can climb walls and stick to things. 4 Queen 2
World Walker
Ability to step anywhere on the
world.
6 Ace 2
*Patches marked with a (*) are reserved for children under employment with the SOK Market.
** Designates a very rare patch. When drawn randomly, draw again; if the new card is of the same suit,
then the patch may be acquired. If not, draw for a new patch.
GAINING PATCHES
No one knows exactly how many patches are out there. It seems like new ones are
created every day. Some of these are owned by monsters, while others are specific to
new children who wake or travel to Applewood. Patches can be found in hard to reach
areas, often protected by traps and monsters, while other patches – including badges
– can be found by defeating certain monsters. If a child dies, then all their patches are
released by their soul.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Starting Characters
All children start off with at least one patch. The patch may be drawn at random
by shuffling the Synergy Deck and drawing one of the cards from anywhere in the deck,
or players may choose whichever power best appeals to them. A player character may
not start the game with a patch with a heavy score that is higher than the character’s
Heart score.
Defeating a Monster
All major monsters carry patches
on them. Children who have reached the
age of 18 also have patches and can use
them in battle. After the monster or 18
year old is defeated, their bodies dissolve
into tiny strips of paper that burn up into
ash, leaving behind a glowing patch (or
multiple patches) which floats in the air,
just waiting to be claimed. Picking up
the patch does not, in any way, allow
one to use it.
THE POWER ROLL
Power level [PL] is the character’s total number of assigned Power Points in a
given patch. Whenever a player is called upon to make a Power roll, the player uses the
following formula:
2d6 + Heart + Power Level = Result
The player’s Power Level is the number of points she has invested into that
particular patch.
How to Improve Power Level
Characters gain 1 Power Point to distribute among their patches every
level, as well as 1 additional Power Point every 5th level. Depending on the kid
type, as well as being influenced by other powers or badges, the character’s
Power Level could be improved further. The child may never invest more than
their level in power points in a single patch.
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PATCH DESCRIPTIONS
Patches - Ch.4
Light and Visuals
When using a patch, it gives off some form of light, though most do not
generate any lighter than what a candle can produce. Powers that can produce
more light are listed with a light radius in feet and how much light it can produce.
Each patch reacts differently for each child, so how the light manifests is up to the
player and the storyteller.
How to Read
Name – Is the name the children have given to the patches.
Type – Indicates what category the patch falls into such as: Control, Creation,
Energy, Imaginative, Support, Transformative and Travel. This is important to know
as each child has a type of patch that they can use better than others. This does not
mean that the player is restricted to that type.
Heavy – This advises of how much a patch weighs on a character. If ever a
character’s total heavy score is higher than their Heart score, the character will descend
into her shadow self until such a time that the patch is removed or the character’s
Heart score increases over the Heavy amount.
Description: This section details what the patch does and how it enhances
the character.
PATCH LIST
Alchemy
Type: Transformative Heavy: 7
Description: Alchemy allows a character to turn one material
into another material by touch. This could mean that a character
may transform a wooden sword into a golden one, or transform
cloth into steel. The character may only transform a number
of things equal to 1 plus her PL divided by 5 (rounded down) at
any given time. The transformation lasts until the character
wills it to return to its normal material.
This also means that a character may transform another
opponent’s skin into stone or something else. Any time this power is used on a living
being, the victim is able to roll their Resist defense against the power roll. If the
roll fails, the living being is transformed. When changing the material strength of
something, the material strength may change equal to the power roll divided by 10
(rounded down) either up or below its present material strength. For example, if a 23
is rolled, because it is divided by 10, it may change the material by 2 material strength
either positive or negative. Therefore, if something is stone, which has a material
strength of 5, it can be changed to a 3, 4, 6 or 7 material strength. When changing the
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Ch.4 - Patches
material strength, it may make it easier to destroy, shape or even mold. It may also
make materials harder to destroy and offer greater protection.
If an opponent is turned into a different material she cannot perform any actions
while made out of the new material. Anything that is alive and is transformed into
a new material may make a Resist defense roll against the original roll every turn in
order to change back. More information regarding material strengths is present in the
Storyteller’s Section, Chapter 8 – Playing the Game.
Analyzer
Type: Support Heavy: 4
Description: The character may glimpse another character’s or
monster’s strengths and weaknesses. The power roll divided
by 5 (rounded down) reveals 1 detail about an opponent such
as: specific ability scores, speed, defenses, protection level,
patches, badges and strongest skills. If the character rolls
a 15, only 3 details would be revealed for that action. The
character may attempt several other actions to learn more
about the character. By touch, the Analyzer may also reveal
the description of any item, patch or badge may do.
The analyzer may also see things that are invisible or
hidden by making a power roll against the power level of the invisibility or the Hide skill
roll. The character does not need to roll her Aware skill to notice these things; they
are immediately outlined for the character if the roll is successful.
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Angel Wings
Type: Transformative Heavy: 10*
Description: A character must have a positive Aura at the time
this patch is added. At a cost of one action, the character may
transform into a full angel that glows with a light radius equal
to the PL of the patch in feet. The angel patch provides a
+1 bonus to all Ability Scores, Defenses and Character Shield
equal to the Power roll divided by 5 (rounded down). The
character may also fly at the same rate as their normal Speed
due to having angelic wings that extend from their back. While
transformed, the character has golden eyes. The character
may also see Auras, even when not transformed.
If ever there is an instance where the character may do
bad, the Angel Wings will attempt to take over the character by rolling 2d6 + Heavy
Score versus the character’s Willpower defense. If the defense fails, then the angel
takes control and will transform. The character will not remember anything while the
Angel Wings patch takes over.

Patches - Ch.4
If every character is reduced to 0 hit points or below while transformed, the
character will revert back to her normal form and will have 0 hit points, no matter how
much damage they previously sustained.
If ever the character’s Heavy score exceeds their Heart score, they do not descend
into their shadow self. Instead, the Angel Wings patch acquires a persona of its own
and is no longer controlled by the character. The Angel Wings patch will revert to doing
good deeds, protecting those who the character cares about, and will selflessly throw
itself into danger. The character is still under the control of the player, however, at
times the storyteller may call for a Willpower roll against the character’s Heavy roll to
resist the Angel Wings patch taking over. If ever the character sustains damage, the
character must roll their Willpower defense roll against the character’s Heavy roll plus
the damage sustained to escape the Angel Wings patch taking over. Once the character
is able to reduce their Heavy score below their Heart score, the Angel Wings patch is
fully under their control.
Animalism
Type: Transformation Heavy: 6
Description: The character must choose one animal and at
a cost of 1 action is able to transform into an animal-human
hybrid. Once the animal is chosen, it cannot be changed. If
ever the patch is removed and then replaced, the original animal
chosen still remains with the character. Multiple Animalism
patches may be worn for multiple forms. The character gains
all talents belonging to that animal type as well as a few
cosmetic features as well. The way the character looks is
up to the player. For example, if the character chooses a horse as their animal, they
may appear centaur-like and gain the talents of: Speed (Quadruped), Natural Attack
(Hooves), Natural Protection (Hide). The bonuses provided by these talents are equal
to the Power roll divided by 5 (rounded down). Rolls required of certain talents use the
power roll instead. It costs a single action to revert back.
All animals that the character can transform into are treated as having 1
mood higher.
Animal Ears
Type: Control Heavy: 5
Description: A character with the Animal Ears patch is able
to speak with animals and understand them. Anyone who
attempts to listen in will only hear the character speaking
and will not be able to hear what the animals are saying
back outside of the normal noises those animals make. Each
animal has its own personality, just like any NPC, but will
always treat the character favorably at first.
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Ch.4 - Patches
The character may also attempt to control an animal to perform a task for her,
such as serve as a protector or deliver a message. The character may make a power
roll against the animal’s Willpower; if the roll succeeds, the character has complete
control over the animal for the rest of the scene. The character can only control a
number of animals equal to their PL.
Bubbler
Type: Support Heavy: 6
Description: This patch grants the ability to create bubbles
of various sizes. At a cost of 1 action, the character
could create a bubble shield large enough to place around
themselves. This offers a Protection level equal to the
power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) this also protects the
character from Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark and Eternity damage
sources. If the damage is less than the Protection provided
by the bubble, no damage is sustained. If the damage is
more than the Protection provided, the bubble bursts but no
damage is taken. A new bubble would need to be created on
the character’s next action.
The character can replicate objects by touching an object and creating tiny little
bubbles that form into the same shape that mimic the object’s look and appearance.
The bubble object cannot take on special traits, but it can function as if it were a similar
object. Therefore, if the character replicates a flaming sword, it will create a sword but
not one that is flaming. The skill bonus or the attack and damage bonus is equal to the
Power Level divided by 5 (rounded down) and 10 (rounded down) for attack bonus. The
character may also create replicas of themselves and others, but the replicas are not
alive and copy whatever pose the individual was doing at the time the power was used.
Any damage sustained by the bubble object causes it to burst.
The character may only have a number of bubble shields or objects equal to the
PL of the patch. The character must be able to touch those they wish to replicate or
place a bubble shield around. It is possible to place a bigger bubble, such as one over
a house, but the maximum size for a bubble can only be equal to the power roll in feet
in diameter. Those who walk out of the bubble shield would cause it to pop.
Chain Link
Type: Support Heavy: 4
88
Description: The chain link patch grants the character the
ability to mimic the powers belonging to others by holding
their hand. Therefore, by holding hands with a character who
has Bubbler as a patch, characters would be able to use the
Bubbler patch. Once the character with the chain link patch
lets go of the other character’s hand, they lose the ability to
use that character’s power. While holding hands, it must be
skin to skin contact or the power won’t work.

Patches - Ch.4
This character may use every one of the other character’s powers as if it were
their own. They may also hold two people’s hands and acquire all their powers (provided
they wouldn’t need a hand to use them). If multiple characters with the chain link patch
held hands, it is possible to link several characters together to have a large number of
powers concentrated into multiple individuals.
The PL of the powers mimicked are equal to the character’s chain-link power level
even if the powers being mimicked are higher or lower in power level.
Chemist
Type: Creation Heavy: 5
Description: This patch allows for the character to secrete
a fluid from their skin that will eat through nearly anything
it touches. The character controls where the fluid will
secret and how much is produced. The fluid will bubble and
dissolve things immediately on contact, dealing the power
roll divided by 5 (rounded down) in Acid damage per turn.
The acid will reduce the material strength of an object equal
to the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down) which also
includes protective clothing. Depending on the object, it
may not be repairable. Opponents harmed in this way may
heal at their usual rates.
Clapping
Type: Support Heavy: 5
Description: Characters with the clapping patch have the
ability to provide high-fives, or engage in a game of clapping,
to boost another character’s ability scores. At a cost of 1
action, the character may boost a single Ability Score for
the length of the scene equal to their power roll divided by
5 (rounded down). This benefit does not confer onto the
character who has the clapping patch, but gives it to the
receiving character. If two characters have the clapping
patch, they may both increase each other’s ability scores.
The character may continue to spend actions until each
Ability Score is granted the ability boost. The character must
be able make skin to skin contact for this power to work. Once the scene is over, the
benefits from the boost are lost, but may be re-added at another time.
Benefits from this power may not stack but will benefit from the highest bonus
provided by a Clapping patch. Bonuses to ability scores granted from other sources do
stack with Clapping, just not with itself.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Clover
Type: Creation Heavy: 7
Description: Clover is a lucky patch. Once per scene, the
character may re-roll a failed roll and use the power roll
instead. Also, whenever a character with a Clover patch
wants to make a Luck roll, they gain a -1 bonus equal to their
power roll divided by 10 (rounded down). This patch may
give good or bad luck to others simply by touching them.
When providing good luck, the character gives 1 lucky die
six (1d6), by their power roll divided by 5 (rounded down).
These lucky dice may be used all at once, or individually, on
that character’s next roll(s). These dice, once used, cannot
be used again.
When providing bad luck, the character gives 1 unlucky die six (1d6), per their
power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) to that opponent. Any time an unlucky character
is required to make a roll, the number of unlucky dice is first subtracted from that
amount. Once subtracted, the unlucky dice go away. For example, if the opponent has
4 unlucky dice and they are required to make a roll that involves 2d6 then 2 unlucky
dice is subtracted and the opponent is left with no dice to roll, and has 2 unlucky dice
remaining. Once all the unlucky dice are gone, then the opponent may roll dice as
normal again.
Lucky and unlucky dice remain forever until used. Lucky and unlucky dice cannot
stack from multiple uses of this power.
90
Copycat
Type: Transformative Heavy: 6
Description: Allows the character to transform into different
objects or people. As an object, the character remains
stationary as it has no means of movement. The character
will acquire the material strength of the object as their new
Protection level. The character may also transform into
other people, copying their ability scores, defenses, character
shield, skills and powers up to the PL of Copycat. While
transformed, the character looks exactly like the individual
they are trying to copy. In order for an opponent to realize
there is something amiss, they must make an Aware skill roll
against the Copycat power roll.
The character may still use their own powers and skills while transformed. They
cannot replicate items that their opponent is holding, which includes clothing and badges.
It costs 1 action to take on a new form.

Patches - Ch.4
Devourer
Type: Transformative Heavy: 8
Description: On a whim, anything that the character eats
they can transform into. Statistical adjustments for the
form such as increased ability scores, attributes and natural
abilities cannot exceed the power level of the patch. Since
each transformation is different, it is recommended to have
a pre-made list of favorite transformations so not to slow
down gameplay. This patch also allows the individual to open
their mouth wide enough to swallow whatever it is they are
determined to eat.
If the devourer eats a person, then the devourer gains the highest ability scores,
skills, hit points, power points and powers. Some transformation may require a
collaborative design between both the player and the storyteller. The patch holder may
cancel the transformation at any time and anything devoured is vomited up. Whatever
is swallowed is placed in a temporary suspended state where they cannot move or
perform actions, but they are able to sense what the devourer is doing.
Only one object or person may be devoured equal to the character’s PL, however
each patch devoured in this way – regardless if they are attached to someone else’s
soul or not – the devourer’s Heaviness increases. If ever the character’s Heaviness is
higher than their Heart due to devouring another patch, the character doesn’t descend
into her shadow self, but instead temporarily becomes a monster – gaining all talents
and traits of a monster and falls under the control of the storyteller. Characters lost
to this patch will attack other people and attempt to devour them as well. If the
character is reduced to zero hit points, they vomit up everything they devoured.
EXAMPLES OF TRANSFORMATIONS
Thing Devoured
Car
Battery + Wires
Stuffed Animal
(Octopus)
Statue
Spider
Tree/Plant
Weapons
Benefits Gained
Speed, Protection, Body, Strength, Agility
Electrical Attack (Body divided by 5 rounded down in Spark
Damage), Elongate, Entangle.
Additional Limbs (8 tentacles)
Strength, Body, Protection
Wall Crawling, Two Additional Pairs of Arms (x2 Actions), Agility
Protection, Absorb (Sunlight), Entangle, Regeneration
Natural Attack, Protection, Energy Sheath (Physical)
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Ch.4 - Patches
Dimensional Hop
Type: Travel Heavy: 4
Description: This power requires the character to use a
previously made hopscotch grid or to draw their own using
chalk. The character has the ability to transport themselves
and others into parallel worlds or different dimensions through
a game of hopscotch.
The hopscotch grid is drawn on the ground, numbered
from 1 – 9, with the last square as the portal square. The
character then tosses a stone, or similar item, onto the square
(or dimension) they wish to travel to and then hop on one foot
in each square, except for the one where the stone was thrown which is skipped over.
Side by side squares require both feet to be hopped into. Once the character reaches
the end, having successfully traversed the hopscotch, a portal opens, allowing the
character, plus 1 additional character per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down), to
take them through the dimensions.
HOPSCOTCH DIMENSIONS
Square
Dimension
1 Parallel Dimension
2 Dream Veil
3 Necropolis
4 Spirit Realm
5 Hellfire Lands
6 The Salts
7 The Nether
8 Faelands
9 Pandemonium
In order to return from a different dimension, the character will need to draw a
square with the same number inside it equal to where the stone landed. The character
must then touch the square and it’ll transport everyone back to the hopscotch portal
square. The character may only remain in the other dimension for a number of hours
equal to the power roll before being yanked back to their home dimension where the
hopscotch square was located.
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Patches - Ch.4
The Dream Veil, Necropolis, Spirit Realm, Hellfire Lands, The Salts and The Nether
are detailed in “Spooks! Welcome to the Great Beyond” core-rule book; The Faelands are
detailed in “The Invisible World”; Pandemonium is detailed in “Mortal Intrusion”. A brief
description of each dimension is located in Chapter 10 – The Dark Side of Applewood.
Drawing
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 7
Description: This patch gives the character the ability to
bring their drawings into being such as objects, creatures or
create entire landscapes. If the character draws an object,
the object becomes real and has a skill bonus or weapon
damage bonus equal to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded
down) as well as an attack bonus equal to the power roll
divided by 10 (rounded down).
It can also create creatures that have abilities similar to
how they were drawn. If the creature has multiple arms, it can take multiple actions; if
the creature has wings, it can fly; if it is drawn breathing fire, it can breathe fire. These
creatures are always 2 levels lower than the character creating them and are always
under the control of the character who summoned them.
Entire environments may also be created. These environments require a huge
mural and may be entered by anyone after it is completed by the character. Anything
depicted in the mural is depicted in the environment. It acts similar to adventuring in
the Dream Veil. While exploring an art mural, items found inside act normally and may
be brought back into the real world. In the real world, they are only half as effective;
therefore, a Sling Shot +6 to damage would only be +3 in the real world.
Objects and creatures take a full minute to sketch, while murals may take hours
or even days to complete. Objects and creatures only last for a scene and the character
may only create a number of objects or creatures equal to her PL and only 1 environment
may be accessible at any time. The character must be able to touch the drawing that
they made in order for it to come to life. Some character’s keep a book with them filled
with drawings so that they may use them at any time. Once a drawing is used, it glows
until either the object or creature is destroyed, the drawing is destroyed, or the scene
ends. Environments may last indefinitely.
Everything brought into being appears exactly as it does in the drawing, even so
much as it looking like paper and potentially having lines across it if lined notebook
paper was used.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Earth
Type: Control Heavy: 8
Description: Characters with this patch can be extremely
dangerous. They hold the power of splitting the earth
apart, up to the power level in feet wide by the power roll
in feet long. It takes 1 action for the character to split
the earth, requiring the character to touch the ground with
either their hands or feet. They may also pull the earth
back together if they so choose.
Additionally, the character has the ability to raise
and lower the earth in a diameter of the power level in feet and a number of feet
vertically by their power roll in feet. Therefore, if the character has a 12 Earth PL and
rolls a 32, the character may affect a diameter equal to 12 feet and may raise or lower
it by 32 feet. It takes 1 action to raise or lower the earth.
Eat Me/Drink Me
Type: Transformative Heavy: 7
Description: Much like Alice in Lewis Carrol’s tale, the
character has acquired the ability to change their size.
In order for the power to work, the character must be
willing to change size and then eat something or drink
something. Eating something causes the character to
increase in size. The character may only grow up to their
PL in feet. The character gains all appropriate advantages
and disadvantages to the new size. Drinking something
reduces the character’s size by a number of feet equal to
their PL. If ever their PL were to bring them within 1 foot
tall, each addition PL takes off inches instead of feet. For example, if the character had
a PL of 9 and was 4 feet tall, then 3 PL would bring her to 1 ft. tall and the additional 6
would strike it off as inches, leaving the character at 6 inches tall. The character may
never be smaller than 1 inch. If a character’s Strength or Body score is reduced below
1, the score remains 1. (See Chapter 13 – Creatures for the Size Adjustment table).
The character may also cause others to increase or shrink by providing them
something to eat or drink respectively. Anyone who is unwilling to change sizes must
make a Resist roll against the character’s power roll. If the roll fails, the opponent
changes size. If the roll is successful nothing happens. The change in size will until the
end of the scene.
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Patches - Ch.4
Energizer
Type: Creation Heavy: 5
Description: At will, the character may produce an invisible
electrical field that produces electricity that can power most
hand-held devices, lights or appliances up to their PL in a
foot radius.
The character may also create “discharges” that
requires them to shuffle their feet or rub their hands together
to build up a charge. For each action they do this, it builds a
+1 Shock damage that can be released by touching someone
or by touching something that is conductive to electricity such as water, silver, copper,
gold aluminum, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, carbon steel, lead and stainless
steel. Discharges that travel through the conductive material may move a number of
squares equal to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down). Anyone touching the
conductive material will suffer the damage as if they were touched. The character
wearing the Energizer patch cannot be harmed by their own power.
Flashlight
Type: Control Heavy: 5
Description: The character has the ability to control the
intensity of close by light sources. Any light source that the
character can touch, they may cause it to strength to deal
Fire damage. Light sources can include light created from
other characters’ powers, candles, light bulbs, flashlights
and more.
At a cost of 1 action, the character may have the light
deal 1 point of Fire Damage to those caught in its beam equal
to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down). The character may use the power roll
as the attack roll when trying to tag an opponent such as a monster with a flashlight
or similar directional light source. The light will also push the target 1 square away
equal to the difference of the opponent’s defense roll, minus the power roll, divided by
5 (rounded down). For example, if the character rolls a 25 and the opponent rolls a 12,
the opponent is pushed 2 squares away from the searing light.
The character may, at a cost of 1 action, increase the radius of any given light
source by their PL in feet, as well as increase the length of a flashlight up to twice their
PL in feet. Any single light source can be increased in lumens a number equal to 25
times their PL. Therefore, with a PL of 10 the character may increase a candle by 250
lumens which would add a temporary +2 light protection. The light increase lasts as
long as the character concentrates on it. For every 100 lumens the light source is, it
provides a +1 light protection.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Fly
Type: Travel Heavy: 6
Description: The character is able to fly at their normal speed
and then “run” using their power roll divided by 5 (rounded
down) for +1 additional Speed per action. While flying, the
character has full control over their movement and may stop
and go much as they would if they were walking/running on
the ground. If they hold the hand of another character (skin
to skin), they are able to extend their ability to fly to that
individual as well. If the character ever loses hold of their
friend’s hand, the friend will no longer be able to fly.
Ghost
Type: Travel Heavy: 5
Description: The character is able to float like a ghost. While
this does not allow the character to fly, it does allow the
character to step off a ledge at any height and continue to
glide across the air as if there was an invisible bridge. This
allows the character to move between buildings, or across
large gaps without fear of falling.
For a cost of 1 action, the character may turn ghostlike,
making it so that objects pass right through them. While
ghost-like, any damage sustained from physical sources deal
only ½ damage. The character may also attempt to walk through walls or other
materials as if they weren’t even there; this is limited on the power roll divided by 5
(rounded down) in material strength that is trying to be passed through. For example,
if the power roll is 17 then the character has the ability to pass through skin, clay, hide,
bone, leather, wood, copper, silver and gold. It costs 1 action to revert back to being
physical. While, the character is ghost like, they may pick up objects of Essence and
deal damage to creatures of Essence without having to halve the damage. For more
information on material strengths, see Chapter 8 – Playing the Game.
Glitterbomb
Type: Energy Heavy: 6
Description: This patch allows the character to touch an
object and supercharge it with prismatic glowing energy that
explodes like a firework. The object explodes in a radius equal
to the PL in feet, dealing the power roll divided by 5 (rounded
down) in fire damage.
96
The character may choose to make proximity bombs that
won’t go off unless someone (or something) walks within 1
square of them. Proximity bombs remain indefinitely or until

Patches - Ch.4
the character dismisses them. The character may choose to delay the objects from
exploding by setting a timer such as, in 3 rounds, or in 5 minutes. If an opponent is
within the radius when the object explodes, they may make an Evade roll against the
character’s power roll to avoid taking damage.
It costs 1 action to supercharge a single object. A character may not supercharge
objects that are larger than their PL in inches diameter. The supercharged object
sustains damage from the explosion. The character is immune to her own power and
therefore will not sustain damage if caught within an explosion. The character may
only have a number of supercharged objects equal to their PL at any given time.
The character may charge an object with prismatic colors to produce a light
radius equal to their power level in feet and creates 1 temporary Light Protection per
the Power roll divided by 10 (rounded down). Object created to produce light do not
explode, but do count towards the total number of supercharged objects the character
may have.
Hair Strider
Type: Creation Heavy: 5
Description: The character’s hair is now under their control.
It can grow and then revert back to its normal length up
to the PL in feet. The character gains 1 additional action
per round using their hair on top of their normal 2 actions.
At a cost of 1 action, the hair may be used to pick up
objects, grab onto things, and even attack with weapons
or just act as a weapon itself. The hair deals 1 point of
damage per the PL divided by 5 (rounded down) when used
as an attack. When attacking with their hair, the character
rolls their power roll. The power roll acts as a Strength +
Muscle roll when performing physical feats as well.
As part of a move action, the hair moves at a Speed equal to 2 + the PL divided
by 5 (rounded down).
Heart Warmer
Type: Control Heavy: 5
Description: By touch, a character may immediately
improve the mood of others by 1 per the power roll divided
by 5 (rounded down). The opponent may make a Willpower
roll against the power roll in order to avoid these effects.
Those who fail their roll become kinder towards the
character as per the improved mood and may look upon
them as a friend. This does not in any way control the NPC
or player, but it does make them more likely to help the
character (as they would a normal friend).
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Ch.4 - Patches
The effects of this power last for a scene and those affected don’t always know
that they were being influenced by the character. The character may influence a number
of targets equal to their PL at any given time. They must be able to speak and their
targets must be able to hear them in order for the power to work.
98
Infinity
Type: Support Heavy: 8
Description: With a free action, the character’s hands create
light in a radius equal to the power level in feet. The light
produces a number of lumens equal to the PL x 10. For every
100 lumens the character produces, the light radius provides a
+1 Light Protection.
With 1 action, the character may make the light from
their hands flood the light radius with intense light; anyone
who can see are blinded for 1 full round and must make a Resist
roll against the power roll of the patch. If the roll fails, they are dazed for 1 round, plus
1 additional round per the difference of the rolls divided by 5 (rounded down). While
dazed, the individual suffers -1 die on all rolls.
At a cost of 1 action, the character may cure non-magical disease, cure non-magical
poison, and restore a number of hit points equal to the roll divided by 5 (rounded down)
on another target including herself by skin to skin touch.
At a cost of 1 action, the character may restore a number of wounds equal to the
power level roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
If ever the patch holder is “killed”, the patch restores the character completely to
life at the previous place they had slept. They are restored with full hit points, synergy
points and all patches and items are intact.
Life Drain
Type: Energy Heavy: 5
Description: With a touch, the character has the ability to take
the hit points from one person and transfer them to another.
Using a single action, the character may drain a number of hit
points equal to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down)
in Eternity damage after a successful attack action. The hit
points are stored inside the character, up to their PL, and only
vanish if they transfer them to someone else.
At any time, they may restore their own hit points instead
of giving them away. In order to transfer the hit points to someone else, the character
must touch skin to skin with the intended person. The character cannot restore wounds
with this power, only hit points. The stored hit points are not actual hit points unless
used to heal previously lost hit points. The character’s healed hit points cannot exceed
her maximum hit points. This ability may be used even if the character is dropped
below 0 hit points.

Light Maker
Patches - Ch.4
Type: Creation Heavy: 8
Description: The character is able to shape light into different
physical objects or things. If there is no light in the area, the
character cannot make any objects. These objects give off
a light radius equal to the PL in feet and have lumens equal
to the PL multiplied by 5. For every 100 lumens the object
produces, they provide a +1 Light Protection.
These objects can be anything the character can think
of such as a car, a train, a sword, a house or even a ladder. At a cost of 1 action, the
light is shaped into what the character desires and then it “hardens” to become physical
in front of them. The light object is able to do everything that a normal object could
do. If the character makes weapons, clothing, walls or an object that may assist with
a skill then consult the table below.
The character may only have a number of light objects in existence equal to
her PL at any time with a size no bigger than the walls entry under light objects. The
objects last forever or until they are destroyed or dismissed. A character may dismiss
a light object at any time.
LIGHT OBJECTS
Creation
Weapons
Clothing
Objects
Walls
Skill Bonus
Summary
+1 Damage per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down); +1 Attack
per the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
+1 Protection per the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
+1 Skill bonus per the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
1 square (5 ft. x 5 ft. x 5 ft.) per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded
down), with a Protection per the power roll divided by 10 and hit points
equal to the power roll.
+1 skill bonus per the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
Lullaby
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 6
Description: When the character sings, they can cause others
to fall asleep. The opponent must be within a number of
squares equal to their PL in order to be affected. Using 1
action, the character may make a power roll and the opponent
will need to make a Willpower defense roll against it. If the
opponent fails, the opponent falls asleep and cannot perform
any actions until woken up by taking damage or being shaken.
Noises will not wake the opponent. The opponent will wake up
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Ch.4 - Patches
after a scene if they do not wake up before then. Those who succeed against the roll
will feel dazed, suffering a -1 die penalty to all rolls until their next turn.
By touch, the character can enter the dreams of another individual. They may
also bring up to 1 additional person with them up to their PL. When entering the dreams
of another, the character with this patch and those who voluntarily go with them,
fall asleep and their consciousness enters the target’s mind. The character with this
patch can pull everyone else out of the dream, but may be opposed by another Lullaby
patch or a creature with dream powers. Opposing rolls are made with the power roll
versus the opponent’s. If the character wins, then they are able to pull themselves and
everyone else out of the dream. If not, then they and everyone else, is trapped until
the opponent is defeated.
100
Memory Keeper
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 6
Description: The character simply points to an object within
the power roll in feet and it disintegrates into ash. The ash
swirls about and is sucked into the character ears where it is
stored as a memory. The object cannot be larger than the PL
in squares (5’ x 5’ x 5’ each). The object will remain stored in
the character’s head until they decide to release it. Once it is
released, the object swirls back out of their ears and may be
placed where ever they choose within the power roll in feet. They cannot affect people
in this way.
If an opponent is holding an object that the character wishes to store in their
head, the opponent may attempt a Resist defense roll against the character’s power
roll to prevent the object from being taken away.
The character is able to store a number of objects in their memory equal to their PL.
Mind Light
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 7
Description: The character is able to communicate simply
by thinking what they want to say and someone else the
character chooses is able to receive their thoughts. This type
of communication is called telepathy, a means to both read the
thoughts of others as well as speak inside their mind so that
no one else may hear. The range on this telepathy is within
a number of blocks (660 feet) equal to the PL. The character
may only speak with one individual at a time. It does not take
any actions for the character to use telepathy.
If people are willing, the character with the Mind Light patch may link together to
be able to communicate telepathically with everyone who is included in the link. It takes

Patches - Ch.4
1 action for the link to be established per person added. While this allows for everyone
to hear what each other is thinking it does leave everyone vulnerable to attacks that
affect the mind. If ever anyone in the link is required to make a Willpower defense roll
that affects their mind, then everyone in the link must also make a Willpower defense
to not be affected as well.
The character may create images in opponents’ minds that appear life-like in the
real world. This could be where the ground falls away to lava, or that bushes become
several feet tall. Whatever happens is up to the character and the more detailed the
description the better. If the opponent suspects that what they see isn’t real, they
may make a Willpower roll against the character’s power roll to disbelieve it. If the
Willpower roll is successful, the image is dismissed. An opponent cannot be injured by
these images but may feel like they are. Therefore, a character who believes they fell
into a vat of hot water would feel like they are being burned, but would not take any
hit point loss. The number of opponents a character may affect in this way is equal to
their PL and they must all be within line of sight.
Moon
Type: Control Heavy: 6
Description: By touch, the character may choose to have
an object to no longer be affected by gravity. These objects
may be pushed, pulled or carried as if they had no weight.
Because they are no longer affected by gravity, these objects
may float in the air at the slightest touch. Whatever affects
the object, such as if it is thrown by someone, the object
never loses momentum and continues to move at that speed
until it hits something. When throwing an object, roll the character’s Muscle skill roll.
The object deals damage equal to its material strength. The object is only able to deal
damage after it regains gravity moments before it strikes something.
The character may also command the object to stop, preventing it from moving
as if it was permanently glued in place, even if it is in the air. When attempting to
move an object that has been “stopped”, they must roll their Muscle skill roll against
the character’s power roll to budge it. If the Muscle roll is successful, they can move
the object 1 square plus 1 additional square per the difference in the roll divided by 5
(rounded down).
The character may only affect a number of objects equal to their PL and the
object itself cannot be bigger than 1 square per their PL. The patch holder may restore
gravity at will. This patch cannot affect living beings.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Night Eyes
Type: Support Heavy: 4
Description: Everyone has an aura, yet very few have ever
seen one. The character with the Night Eyes patch can see
everyone’s Aura, including those who are invisible, hiding or
in the dark. Those with positive Auras are a variety of bright
colors that have a glow based upon how high the Aura is in
numbers. Those with negative Auras have a multitude of darker
colors that also glow based upon how low their Aura is as well.
The character may also alter their own Aura to either
increase or decrease it by their power roll as well as swap their Aura to appear as being
positive or negative. This allows the character to use items that have a specific Aura
requirement. This last for a scene.
If the character wishes to, they may hide their Aura – as well as the Aura of others
– so that others cannot see them. The opponent would have to make an Aware roll
against the character’s power roll, if the opponent fails their roll, they cannot see the
character’s Aura. This lasts for a scene.
102
Oracle
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 8
Description: With this patch, the character may look into
the past or into the future. When looking into the past, the
character must have an object to focus on, a person, or be
in a specific room in order to get an impression from it. The
character must have something in mind that they are looking
for such as, “Who last owned this handkerchief?” or, “What
caused this vase to break?” in order for them to hone in on the
specific timeframe. The event will play out in the character’s
mind. These events may not always be clear, but it will often
provide hints to help the character acquire an answer to their
questions. The character may go back a number of days in the
past equal to their power roll.
A character may also look to the future, asking questions such as “Will Claudia be
upset if I borrow her bear?” or “Where should I look for more food?” Much like looking
into the past, the character may look a number of days into the future equal to their
power roll.
Once per scene, the character may re-roll one of their own rolls using their power
roll instead and take the better of the two. This represents occasional visions that the
character receives that provides insight on how to get around certain challenges.
The storyteller may also rely upon the character with this patch to be the party’s

Patches - Ch.4
saving grace. If something horrific happens to all the player characters, the whole
event could turn out to be a vision and only the character with the Oracle patch knows
about the frightening fate that will befall them. The player character may then decide
how best to warn everyone in order to avoid the even from happening.
This patch does not allow the character to discover what had happened to the
adults in Applewood or how they received their powers. There is always a thick haze
surrounding those particular events. Spending too long looking into them always results
in a headache.
Portal Key
Type: Travel Heavy: 6
Description: Doors can lead anywhere and with this patch the
character now controls where they go. Whenever the character
opens a door, they may choose to have that door lead to another
door somewhere else. The door must be within a number of
blocks (660 feet) equal to the PL that the character wishes
to transport to. For instance, a character may open the door
to their closet and have it lead to the entrance of the public
library. Any number of other characters and objects may pass
through the door. Once the door is shut, the portal closes. The
character must know what door to make a portal to.
If the character isn’t familiar with a door they are trying to create a portal to,
they may attempt to reach out blindly by making a power roll. Consult the table to
determine how close the portal is to the target location.
Power Roll Results
Distance to Target Area
5 5 blocks away
10 4 blocks away
15 3 blocks away
20 2 blocks away
25 1 block away
30 1d6 houses/buildings away
35 House/building next door
40 Right building, wrong floor
45 Right floor, wrong door
50 Right on Target
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Ch.4 - Patches
This power may be used as part of a move action. The door must also be shut
on the opposite end, that is, if a door is open on another side it cannot have a portal
attached to it. The character may only have a number of doors opened like this at any
time up to her PL. Once the door is shut the power ends.
Puppeteer
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 5
Description: Any action figure, stuffed animal, puppet or similar
toy touched by the character may be brought to life. The toy
is considered 2 levels less than the PL of the patch. The toy
is given a personality as imagined by the character at the time
it is given life. A toy is treated as if it is a normal character
(using the character creation rules). It is extremely loyal to
whoever made it and whoever originally owned the toy. The
character may only have 1 toy per their PL in service to them.
A character may also wish the toy to stop being alive and it
will revert back to its previous state. Certain toys may have specific characteristics
unique to their form at the discretion of the storyteller.
The character may also compel the toy to do whatever they say. If the toy
refuses, or they are under the influence of someone else, they must make a Willpower
defense roll against the character’s power roll. If the toy succeeds, they are able to do
as they wish. The character may only compel the toy once per the same request once
per scene. Therefore, if the character wishes the toy to flee from a monster they may
not ask that again in the same scene, but they may ask something similar such as don’t
fight the monster.
104
Push
Type: Control Heavy: 6
Description: With but a thought, the character has the ability to
move objects and people with their mind. When lifting, pushing
or pulling objects the power roll is as if the character made
a Muscle skill roll. The object or individual must be within a
number of squares equal to the PL in order for it to be affected.
The character may also throw objects at others using this power
as long as the object is within 1 square per the PL, using the
power roll for the Muscle skill roll.
A push may also be performed on an opponent, requiring a Resist defense roll to
avoid being knocked over. If the push is successful, the opponent is pushed that many
squares based on the difference of the power roll minus the opponent’s Resist defense
roll divided by 5 (rounded down) plus 1. For example, if the character rolled a 19 and
the opponent rolled a 5, the difference is 14, divided by 5 (rounded down) results in a 2,
plus 1 results in a total of 3 squares.

Rainbows
Patches - Ch.4
Type: Energy Heavy: 6
Description: This patch grants the ability to command the
power of rainbows. By supercharging an object with rainbow
power, it may be used as a weapon in a ranged attack, which
causes a rainbow trail behind it. Whatever it strikes, it’ll cause
a rainbow explosion that deals physical damage equal to the
power roll divided by 10 (rounded down) to everyone in a
radius equal to the patch PL in feet. Opponents caught within
the blast may make an Evade roll against the power roll to
avoid the damage. The attack may also be focused against a single opponent dealing
physical damage that is equal to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down).
Outside of combat, the character may create rainbow streets and bridges. The
lengths of these are equal to the power roll in feet and no wider than the PL in feet. The
sizes can be adjusted by the character if they want it to be smaller. The character must
touch the ground where they would like the rainbow, and the street or bridge sprouts
from where they touch to its desired length. Anyone who steps on a rainbow street or
bridge, as part of a move action, can move on it freely without spending a square. Thus
a character with a Speed of 3 can move on 5 squares of the rainbow street and also 3
squares off the rainbow road. It costs 1 action to make a rainbow street or bridge and it
costs 1 action to dismiss one. The character may have up to the PL in rainbow bridges
or streets. Both streets and bridges are physical and can stretch across gaps to allow
one to cross.
Objects supercharged with rainbows, rainbow roads and bridges produced by the
character have a light radius equal the PL in feet and produce 10 lumens per PL in
brightness. For every 100 lumens the rainbow offers +1 Light Protection.
Rebound
Type: Travel Heavy: 5
Description: This patch allows a character to leap to extreme
heights, gaining the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) in
bonus squares when using an Athletics (Jumping & Leaping) skill
roll. This bonus is on top of the skill roll itself for the long
jump and standing jump.
The character does not take any damage from falling and
instead “bounces” a number of squares equal to the squares
they fell +1. For example, if the character fell 15 squares, they will bounce upwards 16
squares. If the character bounces from a long jump, the number of squares traveled
will be divided by 2 (rounded down) until such a time the squares run out. For example,
if the character jumps 10 squares, then bounces off the ground from a long jump, they
will then travel 5 additional squares, then 2 squares, then finally 1 square.
105

Ch.4 - Patches
106
Rocketeer
Type: Energy Heavy: 7
Description: The character may supercharge their power into
objects that, when struck, creates a small explosion of kinetic
energy. If channeled into a weapon, the weapon deals 1 point
of additional physical damage per the power roll divided by 5
(rounded down). The opponent must then roll their Resist against
the power roll, if the roll fails, the opponent is pushed a number
of squares backwards equal to the difference between their
Resist roll and the character’s power roll divided by 5 (rounded
down) plus 1. For example, if the Resist roll was 24, and the
power roll was 38, the difference is 14. In this instance, the opponent would be pushed
back 3 squares. If the opponent is pushed more than 1 square, then she is knocked over
and is considered prone.
This power may also be used to propel the character forward, gaining a +1 bonus to
their Speed per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) during a move action. This is
often accomplished by kicking off a surface to be rocket propelled into the air, wearing
roller skates or rollerblades, by striking surfaces to help push the character along. The
supercharged object, as well as the character herself, are immune to being harmed by
the power – this does not mean that the character is immune to falling or accidentally
slamming themselves into a wall. If used during a jump as part of an Athletics (Jumping
& Leaping) skill roll, the Speed bonus is added to the distance traveled.
When used, this power creates a loud boom sound that, if not suspecting it, may
startle the opponent. The opponent must roll a Willpower defense roll against the
character’s power roll in order to avoid being startled. If the roll fails, the opponent is
startled and misses their next turn. This may only be used once per scene.
Royal Touch
Type: Support Heavy: 5
Description: Knightly armor encases anyone the character
chooses including themselves. The armor is weightless and
feels like it is made out of cloth. Despite how light it feels, it
provides protection much as plate mail would. The protection
provided is 1 per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down).
The character may affect a number of individuals, including
herself, equal to her PL. The character must touch those who
are receiving the armor.
The armor is made of steel, is highly polished, and is specifically tailored to fit
whoever it is given to. The armor lasts as long as the character wishes it to. Those
who wear it can take it off like a shirt and then it just vanishes.
Anyone who encounters someone wearing armor created by the Royal Touch must
make a Willpower defense roll against the character’s power roll. If the opponent fails,
their mood is increased by 1 when dealing with that character until the end of the scene.

Seamstress
Patches - Ch.4
Type: Transformative Heavy: 9
Description: With a silver needle (see magic items), a
seamstress can pull an individual’s soul from out of their foot.
The soul is a stretchy prismatic band of light that constantly
struggles to return to that individual’s body. Character’s with
the seamstress patch often attach the soul to a clamp, tie it
down, or have someone else hold it so that they may add or
remove patches by stitching it on with a needle and thread.
While the soul is outside of the individual’s body, the person
is paralyzed. Those who do not wish to have their souls removed, must roll their Resist
defense against the character’s power roll. If the roll is successful, the character is
unable to remove the soul.
A character with this patch also has some limited control over the souls of others.
They may increase the weight of the patches carried by other people. At the cost
of 1 action, the character may increase an opponent’s heaviness an amount equal to
the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down). The character must touch the intended
opponent for this to occur. If this causes the opponent to fall into their shadow selves,
the opponent falls to the ground in despair and is unable to perform any actions. This
lasts until the end of the scene.
Sandbox
Type: Energy Heavy: 8
Description: At the cost of 1 attack action, the character
may create concentrated blasts of heat that deal the power
roll in Fire damage divided by 5 (rounded down). The range is
equal to the PL in squares.
If an opponent is not wearing any eye protection, at the
cost of 1 attack action, the character may throw sand in
an opponent’s face at a range equal to their PL in squares.
The sand does not deal any damage, but it does cause the
individual to be blinded for 1 turn (granting a concealment of 5 to all targets) if the
opponent fails a Resist defense roll against the character’s power roll.
The character may also create illusions of places, or people, that may only be
seen with the eye by manipulating heat. These illusions can be a number of feet equal
to the power roll in diameter. The character may only control a number of these
illusions equal to their power roll divided by 10 (rounded down) and only last for as
long as they are concentrating (dedicating 1 action every round) on them. The illusions
are not physical and anything touching them passes right through. These illusions are
completely harmless.
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Ch.4 - Patches
By touch, the character has control over sand. The sand can create different
shapes equal in size to the PL in feet. Each object has a Protection of 1 and a number
of hit points equal to the PL x 5. Sand objects may last until destroyed or the character
dismisses them. These objects do not gain any special properties and can easily be
destroyed as per their material strength and hit points based upon thickness. The
character may only create a number of sand objects equal to their PL at any given time.
Snowflake
Type: Energy Heavy: 7
Description: The character controls the forces of winter.
At a touch, they may freeze any liquid at a rate of the
power roll in a foot diameter per action; this means that
the character may continue to touch a lake and it would
continue to freeze beyond the initial touch. For example, if
a power roll is 32 then the 1 st action 32 feet would freeze,
2 nd action 64 feet will freeze, 3 rd action 96 feet will freeze
and so on.
The character may also create ice objects. Some objects may provide a +1 bonus
to skill rolls equal to the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down); they may create ice
weapons that deal 1 physical damage per the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down)
and would have an attack bonus equal to the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
A character may even freeze an individual by dealing 1 point of frost damage per
the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) per touch. See Chapter 8 – Playing the
Game for additional information on frost damage.
Spirit Whisperer
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 4
Description: The Spirit Realm borders the real-world
(otherwise known as the Land of the Living). Ghosts and
other specters travel through the ether and may find
buildings or other places to haunt. The character is able
to see into the Spirit Realm, allowing them to interact
with these individuals. Not every spirit will be friendly,
but the character may communicate with these spirits as
if they existed in the Land of the Living. The type of
information that the character gains varies. Depending
upon the relationship the character establishes with these
spirits, they may be able to ask them for favors.
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Patches - Ch.4
Once per scene, the character may compel a spirit to answer a number of questions
equal to their PL. The spirit may make a Willpower defense roll in order to avoid
answering each question. The spirit will realize that the character is compelling them
somehow to answer and it may cause the spirit to become angry with the character.
If ever a spirit attempts to attack the character, the spirit must make a Willpower
roll against the character’s power roll; if the spirit fails, they cannot do any harm to
the character.
Stick
Type: Travel Heavy: 4
Description: With but a touch the character is able to
stick to a wall, floor or ceiling; this power allows them to
do so even while wearing clothes. This means that the
character may walk, run, climb or crawl along walls and
ceilings without any difficulty. They also are not affected
by any disorientation while being upside down or sideways.
If anyone attempts to pull the character off a surface,
or to knock them over, the opponent must roll a Muscle
skill roll against the character’s power roll in order to do
so. This power functions as part of a move action and does not require an action to
activate. The character may, at any time, release themselves from the surface at will.
Stopwatch
Type: Support Heavy: 9
Description: Time slows down, enough where the character
is able to perform additional actions in a round when using
this patch. The character gains 1 additional action per
turn equal to the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down).
A character may only use this power a number of times
equal to the PL in a given day before needing to rest for
at least 4 hours due to how taxing the power can be. A
character may use this power over their PL limit but it will
cost them 1 Wound in order to do it. These Wounds can
only heal naturally (through time) and are not affected by
powers aimed at restoring Wounds.
A character with this patch always knows what time
it is, including the date.
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Ch.4 - Patches
Sun
Type: Energy Heavy: 6
Description: Any object touched by the character can
be supercharged with the power of the sun. It takes one
action to charge up a +1 bonus. For every action spent
charging up the object, it gains an additional +1 bonus,
up to a total bonus equal to twice the PL. The charge
lasts until the object is no longer in motion. The bonus
can take the form of a Fire damage bonus (in the case of
swinging a rope or a hula hoop) or a speed bonus, such as
when using a bicycle or running in shoes. The object and
the patch holder are immune to the effects of the power.
Object’s supercharged with energy give off a light
radius equal to 1 ft. per bonus charged up at a rate of 25 lumens per +1 charge. For
every 100 lumens, the light radius provides a +1 Light Protection.
Vanish
Type: Imaginative Heavy: 6
Description: The character is able to turn themselves
completely invisible. By spending 1 action, the character
disappears, gaining a concealment of 5 until they choose
to become visible again. Those who are alerted to the
character’s presence, may attempt to find them by using
making an Aware skill roll against the character’s power
roll. If the roll is successful, the opponent is able to identify
the general area where the character is, reducing their
concealment down to 3. If the character spends an entire
round without being attacked or performing any actions
outside of evading detection, they regain their concealment of 5. If the character ever
attacks an opponent, the opponent (and those witnessing it) will automatically succeed
on their Aware skill roll and again, the character’s concealment will reduce down to 3.
Wave
Type: Transformative Heavy: 7
Description: The character is able to transform their entire
body into water. Physical attacks do not cause them any
damage as they just pass harmlessly through them. They
are also able to squeeze through areas that would normally
allow water to pass through.
110
This power also allows the character to breathe
underwater as long as they are transformed. It takes 1
action to shift into their water form or to revert back to
their normal form.

Patches - Ch.4
The character may also spray a jet of water that deals 1 physical damage per
the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) a number of squares equal to their PL. The
character uses the power roll to attack.
While in their water form, the character is vulnerable to fire and frost attacks,
taking 1 point of damage plus 1 additional point for every 5 points (rounded down)
that they sustain. For example, if the character takes 10 Frost damage, the character
sustains 13 instead.
Whistler
Type: Control Heavy: 6
Description: This patch confers the ability to create highpitched
whistles that damage ear drums and even physical
objects. The character can perform a quick-sharp whistle
that deals the power roll divided by 5 (rounded down) in
physical damage to a single target no more than the PL
away in squares; the character uses their Power skill in
order to make the attack.
The character may also whistle so that everyone
within a radius equal to the character’s PL in squares sustains damage equal to 1 physical
damage per round spent building the whistle. For example, if the character whistles for
5 straight actions, everyone and everything within their PL radius in squares sustains 1
point the 1 st action, 2 points the 2 nd action, 3 points the 3 rd action, 4 points the 4 th action
and finally 5 points the 5 th action. This is up to a maximum of their PL x2. Those who
cannot hear suffer only ½ damage.
World Tree
Type: Creative Heavy: 6
Description: The character is able to control plants. They
may cause plants and trees to rapidly grow a number of
feet equal to their PL per action. Plants can grow up to a
maximum of twice their normal heights.
At a cost of 1 action, the character may cause a plant
to snare an opponent, preventing them from performing
additional actions. The Strength of the plant is equal to
the power roll, with a Protection equal to the power roll
divided by 10 (rounded down) as well as Hit Points equal
to the PL. The opponent must make a Muscle skill roll in
order to escape the hold of the plants. If the roll fails, the
opponent cannot perform any further actions except to try and escape the plants. Each
action the opponent may make another attempt to free themselves from the snare by
making a Muscle skill roll against the character’s power roll.
111

Ch.4 - Patches
The character may also control plants by having them move branches, extend
roots and even pick up things if able. It costs 1 action to cause a plant to perform an
action that would be within its bounds. When in doubt, ask the storyteller if it would
be possible to perform an action. As part of an action, the character can also cause a
plant to uproot and move their PL in squares away.
World Walker
Type: Travel Heavy: 6
Description: The character has the ability to travel a
number of squares equal to their PL instantly as part of a
move action in lieu of their normal Speed. Everything that
the character is carrying, including other characters, come
with them as long as the character is able to move at
least 1 square in regards to carrying capacity or lift. The
character needs a direct line of sight in order to teleport
from one square to another, or at least a means to be able
to “walk” the distance. The character cannot use this
ability to travel over obstacles they would not normally
be able to walk over such as ravines or walls. The power
works as if the world is turning beneath the character’s
feet to allow them to reach their destination quicker.
The character may “run” by making a power roll; gaining a +1 to their World
Walker Speed equal to the result divided by 5 (rounded down) for that move action.
The character may use squares, as provided by this power, as part of an Athletics
(Climb) skill roll.
Youth
Type: Control Heavy: 10
Description: The character stops aging the moment the
patch is stitched onto their soul. Staying young allows
the character to avoid turning 18 and becoming a monster.
This is an extremely rare patch and is highly sought after,
especially by those in their remaining few days.
By touch, the character may cause others to reduce
in age temporarily or increase in age a number of years
equal to the power roll divided by 10 (rounded down). This
effect lasts until the end of the scene. Characters who
are aged into their 18
th year temporarily become monsters
under the control of the storyteller. This patch may also
reduce the age of an 18-year-old who has already become
a monster.
112

Chapter 5
Items
In a world without parents you’re going to need to pick up a few things to help you along
the way. There’s a bunch of stuff you can find that ranges from common to completely
rare and mystifying! This chapter details the different types of items that are out
there, how to manage character inventory and what are badges.
WHAT ARE ITEMS?
Items are things that you find or possess; these can be clothes, supplies, toys,
flashlights and much more. You only have so much room in your pockets or your
backpack, so you can’t lug everything around with you. That’s what a clubhouse is for!
You can keep some of your important items at home but remember you’re going to need
to protect them somehow from other kids and creatures.
Types of Items
Each item is valuable or can be useful in some way. Remember, not all items have
to be for your character. If you find something out in the world that you know someone
else would enjoy, why not brighten their day and bring it to them? Maybe they’ll do the
same for you one day.
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Ch.5 - Items
Clothes
Clothes are clothes,
right? Before all the parents
disappeared, the primary
function of clothes was to
keep warm – and to some –
be popular. Now, pockets are
REALLY important! You don’t
realize how much you need
pockets until you’re scrounging
around looking for things to eat.
Clothes need to protect you from
cuts, scrapes and bruises because you’re
going to get hurt out there, especially when
you have to face down a bully, or worse, a monster.
Depending on the clothes, your character may gain bonuses to your Character
Shield to things like Protection, Resistances and Bravery.
Each clothing item is designed to be worn on different parts of the body such
as on the head, shoulders, arms, hands, torso, hips, legs and feet. One can layer, but
remember you can overheat pretty quick if you’re not careful so be reasonable. No
matter how many layers you wear, you can’t stack multiple like-bonuses in the same
location. That is, if you wear a t-shirt that gives +1 Protection and then a Sweater that
gives +3, the most you may benefit from is the +3 bonus. This does not mean you can’t
find a higher bonus, it just means that if you wore two clothing items on your shoulders
you only get the highest bonus from that body location.
Here are some basic ideas on what you can wear for each location.
• Head – Hats, helmets, scarves, bandanas, jewelry, headbands, bows, earphones,
tiaras, circlets and crowns.
• Shoulders – Cloaks, coats, capes, scarves, body chains, a shawl, shoulder pads,
mantles and pauldrons.
• Arms – Bracelets, elbow guards, watches, gauntlets and bracers.
• Hands – Rings, gloves, mittens and finger claws.
• Torso – Shirts, jackets, dresses, sweaters, bras, pullovers and hoodies.
• Hips – Pants, skirts, tutus, underwear and belts.
• Legs – Knee-high socks, thigh-high socks, knee pads, shin guards and leg warmers.
• Feet – Tennis shoes, running shoes, sandals, sneakers, boots, pointe shoes, heels,
roller skates and rollerblades.
114

Pocketables
These are small items that can fit in your
pocket: they could be candy, matches, a pocket knife,
a two-way radio, a folding saw, marbles or other
similar items. A character may pull anything out
of their pockets during a move action without
expending any squares. The character may
only carry 4 items in their pockets unless they
wear special clothes that provide additional
room. Pocketable items typically weight
less than 1 pound.
Items - Ch.5
Backpack
Large items that can’t fit in your
pockets can fit in your backpack. A
backpack has many pockets and enough
room to fit about 6 items inside it. Most
items are like supplies, tools, flashlights,
books, comics, stuffed animals or other
important things that you’ll want to
carry back to the clubhouse. A large item
often doesn’t weight more than 10 pounds.
Anything larger than 10 pounds may require a different means to transport it.
Badges
There are smaller things, similar to patches except in size, that can improve
a character’s Ability Scores, Speed, Luck, Aura, and Defenses; these are
called badges. Badges do not need to be stitched onto the soul like patches
do, but may be sewn onto clothes or other items to gain their effects.
Each badge adds only 1 point to the character’s Heavy score no matter
the bonus on the patch. A character may only benefit from the highest
bonus provided by a badge, such as: if a badge gave +5 to Strength,
they cannot also benefit from a badge that gives +3 to Strength.
On the character sheet, there are six spots to write down a
badge, but the character can wear as many badges as they like.
Weapons
Weapons are varied and require certain skills in order
to use them well. There are two different types of weapons:
those that can be used close up, called melee weapons;
and those that can be thrown or used at a distance,
called ranged weapons. Melee weapons can attack
an opponent within 1 or 2 squares of the character,
while ranged weapons may attack opponents that are
farther than 2 squares.
115

Ch.5 - Items
Weapons have two separate bonuses: Attack or to
Damage. Damage bonuses are applied after the attack is
successful. Attack bonuses are added during the attack.
Weapons can never have an attack bonus that is more than
½ the current damage bonus on the weapon. Therefore,
if a weapon has a Damage of +6, it can only have a
maximum of +3 as an Attack bonus.
TRADING FOR ITEMS
When the parents vanished, they
took their money with them. Sure there
is money lying around but, what’s the
value in those little pieces of paper
anyway? You can’t eat them and
they aren’t really good at keeping the
fire going, so what purpose do they
serve? Most kids trade for things. One
kid may want a teddy bear you found,
while you may want their pair of roller skates.
The kid may think that the teddy bear is worth only 1 skate so what do you do? The
answer – Candy!
Candy is the new currency. Candy is separated into pieces, bars, bags and boxes.
As long as the other individual is willing, candy can help sweeten the deal.
TABLE 5.1 - VALUE OF CANDY
10 Pieces of Candy equal… 1 Candy Bar
50 Pieces of Candy or 5 Candy Bars equal… 1 Bag of Candy
500 Pieces of Candy, 50 Candy Bars or 10 Bags of Candy equal… 1 Box of Candy
Bars
6,000 Pieces of Candy, 600 Candy Bars, 120 Bags of Candy or 12
Boxes of Candy Bars equals…
162,000 Pieces of Candy, 16,200 Candy Bars, 3,240 Bags of Candy,
324 Boxes of Candy Bars or 27 Crates of Candy Bars equals…
1 Crate of Candy
Bars
1 Pallet of Candy
Bars
Candy is abbreviated as follows: 1 Piece = 1 p.; 1 Candy Bar = 1 cb.; 1 Bag of
Candy = 1 bg.; 1 Box of Candy = 1 bx.; 1 Crate of Candy Bars = 1 ct. and 1 Pallet
of Candy Bars = 1 pl.
Starting Candy
Player characters begin the game with 2d6 candy bars. If you roll very low
some storyteller’s may be nice and allow you to roll again. Starting candy may be
used to purchase items from the Item Exchange portion in this chapter. Candy that
is not spent may be kept on the character’s record sheet or at the clubhouse.
116

ITEM EXCHANGE
Items - Ch.5
All items, outside of weapons and clothing, have a value that they can be traded
for provided that another person has that item to trade. A trade may happen if the
player character encounters another child who is willing to trade or in a situation where
different clubhouses are able to trade between one another.
Weapons and Clothes
Many weapons and clothes used by children are from things they have found in
the world. Most children prefer to use weapons only on monsters, but fights between
kids can happen. Weapons are often items that the kids are familiar with such as from
a sport or other physical activity. The value of a weapon is based upon the attack and
damage bonuses, while clothing is based on the protection bonuses. When judging a
weapon or clothing value, calculate their worth based upon the value of the bonuses.
The type of the weapon or clothing does not matter unless the item has a special
description.
Not every weapon is listed. If there is a weapon that a player wants for their
character, discuss it with the storyteller and see if it is a good fit for the game. If the
weapon is acceptable, the player and storyteller can make it together.
TABLE 5.2 - WEAPONS
Name Skill Type Range
Baseball Sports (Baseball) or Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Baseball Bat Sports (Baseball) Melee 1 square
Basketball Sports (Basketball) or Aim Ran ged Skill roll in squares
Bow Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Bludgeon
Arrows
Aim Ranged Per Bow
Bowling Ball Sports (Bowling) or Aim Ranged 2 squares/skill roll
in squares rolling on
ground
Boxing Gloves Brawling Melee 1 square
Flying Disc Sports (Flying Disc) or Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Fencing Foil Sports (Fencing) Melee 1 square
Football Sports (Football) or Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Golf Club Sports (Golf) Melee 1 square
Golf Balls Sports (Golf) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Hockey Stick Sports (Hockey) Melee Skill roll in squares
117

Ch.5 - Items
TABLE 5.2 - WEAPONS
Name Skill Type Range
Hockey Puck/
Ball
Sports (Hockey) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Hula Hoop Athletics or Aim Melee/
Ranged
Skill roll in squares
Jump Rope Rope Melee 2 squares
Lacrosse Stick Sports (Lacrosse) Melee 1 square
Lacrosse Ball Sports (Lacrosse) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Paddle Sports (T. Tennis) Melee 1 square
Table Tennis
Balls
Sports (T. Tennis) Ranged 1 square
Racquet Sports (Tennis) Melee 1 square
Tennis Balls Sports (Tennis) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Rugby Ball Sports (Rugby) or Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Slingshot Aim Ranged Skill roll in squares
Soccer Ball Sports (Soccer) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Softball Sports (Softball) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Staff Martial Arts Melee 2 squares
Volleyball Sports (Volleyball) Ranged Skill roll in squares
Wooden Sword Sports (Fencing) or Martial Arts Melee 1 square
TABLE 5.3 - COST OF WEAPON BONUSES
For each +1 Attack Bonus*
1 Bag of Candy
For each +1 Damage Bonus
3 Candy Bars
*Requires +2 Damage per every +1 Attack
TABLE 5.4 - CLOTHES
Name Location Additional
Value
Special Description
Belt Hips -- --
Boots Feet -- --
Bra Torso -- --
118

Items - Ch.5
TABLE 5.4 - CLOTHES
Name Location Additional
Value
Special Description
Bracers Hands -- --
Cape Shoulders -- --
Cloak, Hooded Shoulders -- --
Coat
Shoulders
2 Candy Bars
per +1 Frost
Resistance
Keeps character warm during the
winter.
Designer Clothing Any --
Adds Bravery based upon the
popularity of the brand.
Dress Torso -- --
Elbow Guards Arms -- --
Glove, Power Hands -- --
Gloves Hands -- --
Gloves, Fingerless Hands -- --
Gauntlets Hands -- --
Helmet Head -- --
Helmet, Face
Guard
Head -- --
Hoodie Torso -- --
Ice Skates
Feet
5 Pieces of
Candy
Reduces Speed to 1 if no Ice to move
on.
Jeans Hips -- --
Knee Pads Legs -- --
Leather Jacket Shoulders -- --
Leotard Torso -- --
Pants Hips -- --
Pants, Cargo
Hips
5 Pieces of
Candy
+2 Extra Pockets.
Pointe Shoes Feet -- --
Roller Blades
Feet
2 Candy Bars
per +1 Speed
Grants extra speed on hard surfaces
but characters only have ½ Speed on
soft surfaces like grass or mud.
119

Ch.5 - Items
TABLE 5.4 - CLOTHES
Name Location Additional
Value
Special Description
Roller Skates
Feet
2 Candy Bars
per +1 Speed
Grants extra speed on hard surfaces
but characters only have ½ Speed on
soft surfaces like grass or mud.
Shin Guards Legs -- --
Shoulder Pads Shoulders --
+2 bonus on Resist rolls when rolling
to prevent being knocked over from a
push.
Skirt Hips -- --
Slippers Feet -- --
Slippers, Ballet Feet -- --
Tennis Shoes Feet -- --
Tights Legs -- --
T-Shirt Torso -- --
Underwear Hips -- --
Wrist Guards Arms -- --
Winter Clothes Any 1 Candy Bar
+1 bonus to Frost Resistance, can be
layered.
TABLE 5.5 - COST OF PROTECTION BONUSES FOR CLOTHES
Bonus
Cost
+1 Protection 3 Candy Bars
+1 Bravery 1 Bag of Candy
+1 Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or Eternity Resistance 1 Bag of Candy
Clothes can be found, traded for or upgraded with special improvements at the
clubhouse. When trading for clothes, check the chart above for any special benefits and
for its starting costs and review table 5.5 to add any additional bonuses to the clothing
piece. There is no store where these things can be bought or sold, so most the time
the items have to be found or traded for. At character creation, player characters may
custom design their outfits however they choose as long as they can afford it.
120

Resources
Items - Ch.5
Resources are items needed in order to maintain the necessities of everyday life
and being able to survive day by day. Each resource can be traded on a 1 per 1 basis,
that is, one resource for another. There are very few children who are willing to trade
a resource away for something as mundane as candy, especially when starving or their
flashlights are starting to go out. The trade value can be as high as an entire box of
candy bars for a single resource, as long as you are able to find someone willing to make
that trade.
When scavenging for resources, a player may roll 1d6 to see what type of
resource was found.
TABLE 5.6 - RESOURCES
Name Random Roll Size Weight
Batteries 1 Pocketable 1 lbs.
Drinks 2 Large 5 lbs.
Food 3 Large 5 lbs.
Materials 4 Large 10 lbs.
Medicine 5 Pocketable 1 lbs.
Toys 6 Large 2 lbs.
Batteries – Batteries are used to power video games and other
hand-held devices, but most importantly they are used to run
battery-operated lamps and flashlights. Children will learn quickly
that stockpiling batteries is essential, especially if they want to
keep monsters away. Batteries have a shelf life of about two
years, and last about 24 hours of continuous use. Batteries weight
approximately 1 lb.
Food – You can’t survive off candy despite what some children
want to believe. Canned foods, preserves, nuts, meat jerky among
several other non-perishable foods are what can be considered a
food resource. Each resource counts as a single day’s worth of food
for a single child and it weighs about 5 lbs.
Drinks – For the first two weeks, water will be available directly
from the facet, but afterwards because there is no electricity
running to the water tower, the tower will empty quickly. Water will
eventually need to be scavenged for, including bottled water, drums
of water, soda, or other long lasting drinks. Each resource provides
one child a full day’s worth of water and weighs approximately 5
lbs. It is recommended that people drink at least 1 ounce of water
per pound of their body weight a day.
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Ch.5 - Items
Materials – These are supplies such as wood, metal, screws,
nails, wire and several other pieces that are needed in order
to build additions to a clubhouse. While some supplies require
multiple children to carry, the type of materials that
can be scavenged are about 10 lbs. in weight.
Medicine – Pain killers with aspirin and
acetaminophen, cold & sinus, cough
syrup, penicillin are all included in the
medicine resource. Medicine is needed
when children get sick or injured.
Medicine covers a single treatment
(until the child is well) and weighs about
1 lb.
Toys – Fiction books, comic books,
chewing gum and video games are items that children
just love to get their hands on. These items help
improve happiness at the clubhouse, especially when the clubhouse amasses a large
collection. For every 5 toys the clubhouse gains +1 Happiness. Toys can vary in weight
but are approximately 2 lbs. each.
Miscellaneous Items
These are basic items needed to survive in the world. Items that are small are
able to be placed either in the child’s pockets or backpack, while objects that are large
may only be placed in the child’s backpack. Most items are valued by their convenience
and usefulness as opposed to what it would be worth in the real world. Any thing that
can be purchased in the world outside of “Lights Out” can be found and potentially
traded for in the game world.
TABLE 5.7 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Name Short Description Value Size Weight
2-way Radio
A hand-held radio that can speak to other
2-way radios.
5 cb. Small 1 lb.
30 ft. of Rope Nylon rope that is 30 feet long. 2 cb. Large 19 lbs.
Art Supplies
Materials to help create Culture at the
clubhouse.
5 p. 5 lbs.
Binoculars Adds bonus to Aware skill rolls. 1 bg. Large 1 lb.
Blanket, Comfort Adds +1 Bravery when wrapped in it. 10 cb. Large 3 lbs.
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Items - Ch.5
TABLE 5.7 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Name Short Description Value Size Weight
Blanket, Heavy +1 Frost Resistance when wrapped in it. 5 cb. Large 10 lbs.
Books, Reference
A book that provides +1 Education to a
clubhouse and bonus to Schooling skill.
1 cb. Large 3 lbs.
Camera, Digital Battery powered camera. 1 bx. Large 2 lbs.
Camera, Film Camera uses film with long lasting battery. 5 cb. Large 2 lbs.
Candles Wax candles that may be lit for light. 1 p. Large 1 lb.
Cooking Gear A skillet, pot, pans and other utensils. 1 bg. Large 10 lbs.
Crowbar
Useful when opening jammed things or
prying things off the ground.
3 cb. Large 5 lbs.
Duct Tape Good for sticking things together. 2 p. Large 1 lb.
First Aid Kit Provides bonus to First Aid skill rolls. 5 cb. Large 2 lbs.
Fishing Pole Used with Sports (Fishing) to catch food. 5 cb. Large 2 lbs.
Flashlight,
Battery Operated
Flashlight, Hand
Crank
Aids with keeping watch for monsters or
investigating dark places.
Can provide small amounts of light
without batteries.
1 bg. Large 2 lbs.
5 cb. Small 1 lb.
Glow Sticks One time light stick that glows for hours. 3 p. Small --
Glue
Used for crafts and sticking things
together.
1 p. Small 1 lb.
Grappling Hook Means to secure rope to a higher point. 1 cb. Large 2 lbs.
Knife
Used to get into boxes, cut ropes or even
for eating.
1 cb. Small 1 lb.
Lamp, Battery
Operated
Provides long lasting light using a battery. 2 bg. Large 2 lbs.
Lighter Oil fed lighter that produces fire. 1 cb. Small --
Makeup Kit
Provides an assortment of useful items
and increases Sway skill rolls.
5 cb. Large 3 lbs.
Matchbook 15 match sticks to help light fires. 1 p. Small --
Mirror
MP3 Player +
Headphones
A small plastic mirror to help signal, check
for blemishes or look around corners.
Battery operated MP3 player with
preloaded songs.
5 p. Small 1 lb.
1 bx. Small 1 lb.
123

Ch.5 - Items
TABLE 5.7 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Name Short Description Value Size Weight
Pet food 1 week worth of pet food. 2 cb. Large 8 lb.
Poncho Protects the wearer from the rain. 5 p. Large 1 lb.
Sewing Kit
Able to make small repairs, tailor clothes
and attach badges.
1 cb. Large 5 lbs.
Spade Great for digging holes. 1 cb. Large 3 lbs.
Skill Kit
Sleeping Bag
Provides +1 bonus or higher to specific
skills.
Small bed for outside use. +2 Frost
resistance when cuddled within.
5 cb. Large 5 lbs.
1 bg. Large 3 lbs.
Snacks Regain 1 Synergy Point if eaten. 1 p. Small --
Stuffed Animal +1 Bravery when kept close. 1 bg. Large 1 -2 lbs.
Swiss Army Knife A pocket knife with many attachments. 5 cb. Small --
Tackle Box
A small box containing bait and lures for
fishing.
1 bg. Large 2 lbs.
Tent 4 person tent. 1 bx. Large 10 lbs.
Watch, Battery
Powered
Watch, Self-Wind
Tells the time for 2 years on battery
power.
Tells the time for 24 hours before needing
to be rewound.
1 bx. Small --
1 bg. Small --
Water Bottle Holds 25 ounces of water. 5 p. Large 1 lb.
Whistle Creates a loud sound when blown. 1 p. Small --
2-way Radio – This hand-held device can send and receive
messages on low frequency channels that can be picked up
by other radio devices including other 2-way radios. The
maximum range is up to 25 miles depending on the height
of the antenna. This device runs off battery power that can
last up to 24 hours of continuous use. The battery can be
recharged.
30 ft. of Rope – It is 30 feet worth of 1/2 inch nylon rope
that can hold up to 5,670 lbs. before breaking.
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Items - Ch.5
Art Supplies – Art supplies contains construction paper, stickers, glitter, chalk, paint,
brushes, crayons, paper and several other art related supplies. These are used whenever
the child attempts to create artwork from the Arts skill.
Binoculars – These dual pair of lenses make objects appear six times closer than what
they presently are. This provides a +6 bonus to Awareness rolls. It has a lanyard that
allows it to be worn around the neck.
Blanket, Comfort – This blanket is approximately 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
and is made of extremely soft materials. It is very heavy and provides children a +1
Bravery bonus while wrapped up inside it.
Blanket, Heavy – This blanket is approximately
60 x 80 inches long and is made of wool. It
provides a +1 Frost resistance when wrapped
up in it.
Books, Reference – The subject matter
may vary, but having one stored at
the clubhouse provides +1 Education
per book. If the subject matter is
specific, it provides a +1 bonus for
every 5 Candy Bars in value on skill
rolls regarding specific Schooling or
Sports. For example, the child finds
a Reference Book on Fishing or Herbs
that provides a +3 bonus and is valued
at 15 Candy Bars.
Camera, Digital – Is a camera that has a built-in
screen to view photos after they are taken. It stores up to 380 photos. It has a flash
as well. The battery lasts for 4-5 hours of continuous use and it can be recharged.
Camera, Film – This camera has a manual focus and uses film instead of providing digital
pictures. The film has to be taken to a dark room in order to be developed. While the
process of developing film can often be a chore, because the battery rarely needs to
be changed, it allows for a near limitless number of pictures to be taken. Most rolls of
film allow 24 pictures.
Candles – Wicks surrounded by beeswax that produce 13 lumens, which is a 2.5 ft. radius
of strong light and 5 ft. of weaker light beyond strong light radius. The candle will burn
for 100 hours. Eight candles may produce +1 temporary Light bonus to a Clubhouse if
placed within each other’s light radius.
125

Ch.5 - Items
Cooking Gear – Pots, pans, a skillet, tin cans, a measuring cup, measuring spoons and
several other essential items all needed to cook either in the clubhouse or out camping
somewhere. All these items come in an easy-to-carry bag.
Crowbar – A metal bar with a fissure at the end of it that helps with removing nails.
This is used as a lever to force things apart like stuck doors, locks or other impossible
barriers to get into containers. It provides a +10 bonus to Muscle skill rolls when trying
to pry something open or up.
Duct Tape – This roll can come in multiple colors and has about 60 feet of strong tape.
It can be torn by hand or cut with a knife or scissors. A single strand of duct tape can
hold up to 60 lbs. of weight.
First Aid Kit – The kit is filled with gauze, medical tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, a
pair of medical scissors and several other needed items to take care of an injury. The
value of the First Aid Kit is equal to 5 Candy Bars for every +1 skill bonus it provides to
First Aid skill rolls. Various First Aid Kits can be found ranging from +1 to +10 or more.
The higher the bonus the rarer it becomes.
Fishing Pole – A rod and reel used to cast a baited hook or lure out into the water in
order to attract a fish. This uses the Sports (Fishing) skill for success in catching a
fish. Fish can provide resources, as if rolling the Scavenge skill roll but for food only.
An opposed skill check would be used if wanting to “fight” the fish. The Fishing Pole
provides a +1 skill bonus to Sports (Fishing) but may be higher. Its
value is equal 5 Candy Bars per every +1 bonus.
Flashlight, Battery Operated – This flashlight creates a spotlight
that is 60 lumens in strength and is 120 feet long. The flashlight
operates for a total period of 5 hours before needing new batteries.
Flashlight, Hand Crank – This flashlight creates a spotlight that is
60 lumens in strength and is 120 feet long. The flashlight requires
1 full minute of manual cranking and then the flashlight is powered
for a period of 30 minutes before it would need to be cranked again.
Glow Sticks – Small sticks that, once cracked, glow for 10 hours and
produces approximately 1 lumens. This produces a very small light
radius, which is just enough to read by. Once the glow stick is used
it is done. Heating the glow stick will cause it to produce more light
while keeping it chilled will have it last longer.
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Items - Ch.5
Glue – A weak adhesive used to put pieces of paper together. Commercial adhesives
can glue stronger things together such as when pranking others by gluing people’s hands
to their heads. To pry something apart that is glued together, it requires a Muscle skill
roll against the strength of the glue. For most craft projects, the difficulty is 5, while
industrial glues can reach difficulties in the 50s. It costs 1 piece of candy for the initial
5 difficulty, but every point after that is an additional piece of candy. Therefore, a
difficulty of 50 costs 46 pieces of candy.
Grappling Hook – Is a four prong hook that may be attached to a rope. If thrown, it can
snag a higher surface, allowing for the character to climb up the rope. When trying to
attach the hook, a Rope skill roll is needed to secure it.
Knife – Is a sharp single-sided blade, or two sides if wanting a dagger, that can cut
through rope, boxes and several other things.
Lamp, Battery Operated – Produces 700 lumens worth of strong light in a 105 feet
radius and a soft light in 210 feet radius beyond that. The lantern lasts for 48 hours
of continuous use before the batteries need to be replaced. It has a handle so that it
can be carried easily. A single lamp provides a temporary +7 Light Protection bonus to
clubhouses if left on during the night.
Lighter – Is an oil-fed lighter that can produce a flame even in windy conditions. The
lighter is brass and can be closed in order to douse the flame. It can be refilled with
additional oil. The oil lasts about 2 weeks with occasional use. The flame produces the
same light radius as a candle.
Makeup Kit – Contains tweezers, cotton balls, cotton tips, a compact with mirror,
foundation, lipstick, mascara, powder, concealer, blush, bronzer, brushes, lip gloss, lip
balm, eye shadow and several others. For every 5 candy bars worth in value, the kit
may be used to beautify an individual, which provides a +1 Sway Bonus until the makeup
is smudged or removed.
Matchbook – This small book contains 20 matches that can be used to start a fire or
temporarily produce 10 seconds worth of light equal to a candle.
Mirror – A plastic handheld mirror that can be used to create light signals, see around
corners, or checking one’s appearance.
MP3 Player + Headphones – An MP3 player that is pre-loaded with songs. Additional
songs can be added by visiting several solar powered MP3 stations that are hiding
throughout the city. The MP3 player can last for up to 1 week worth of straight listening
before it needs new batteries. While stored at the clubhouse, it can provide a +1
Happiness bonus as it plays music for everyone to hear. While listening to it, it provides
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Ch.5 - Items
a +1 bonus to Bravery. When the music is turned up loud enough, it can protect the
child from sound-based attacks or from others reading their thoughts. Be careful not
to turn it up too loud else one can damage their ears.
Pet food – This is a large bag that will provide 1 pet a full week’s worth of food.
Poncho – This helps keep the child from getting wet while it rains. The poncho is made
of plastic and can easily be rolled up and stashed away when not needed.
Sewing Kit – Includes several different threads, needles, a thimble, a pin cushion, scissors,
shears and several other items. A sewing kit is used to attach badges to pieces of
clothing or to size clothing items so that they fit the child
better. Having a sewing kit will allow new clothes found to
be automatically the character’s size without having to take
“down time” to adjust them.
Spade – A small folding shovel that can be used to help dig
through dirt, gravel or other loose sediment.
Skill Kit – Tools needed in order to perform a skill with more
efficiency. The better equipped the child is, the easier a task
can be completed. For every 5 candy bars in value, this kit
provides a +1 bonus to 1 specific Skill. Once the kit has been
identified with what skill it enhances, it cannot be used for
other skills. Not all skills can be enhanced by a skill kit.
Sleeping Bag – A rolled up bed that allows up to two children
to zip up inside and receive a +1 Frost Resistance bonus.
The sleeping bag also allows the child to sleep soundly and
benefit from a full night’s rest.
Snacks – Small packages of food such as nuts, dried fruits,
pre-packaged pastries or similar items that can give the
character a small boost in energy. This is a one-time use
item that is consumed upon use. It requires 1 minute to eat a
snack. A snack restores 1 Synergy Point.
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Stuffed Animal – A bear, a lizard, a rabbit or even a wolf,
whatever the type of stuffed animal, children find
them intimately comforting. Having one nearby
helps individuals cope with their fears and
anxieties. A stuffed animal provides a
+1 bonus to Bravery. While the value
is set at 1 bag of candy, sometimes,
depending how long the child
has had the stuffed animal, it
could become priceless to
them. Losing a cherished
stuffed animal can be as
heartbreaking as losing a
friend.
Items - Ch.5
Swiss Army Knife – Contains
a large blade, a small
blade, a can opener with
a small screwdriver,
a bottle opener with a large
screwdriver and a wire stripper, scissors,
magnifying glass, reamer with sewing eye, corkscrew, hook, toothpick, tweezers
and a key ring.
Tackle Box – A beginner’s storage box that contains fishing gear including: a stringer,
line, line clippers, bells, swivels, hooks, singers, bobbers, and a few different lures. A
tackle box is necessary in order to use the Sports (Fishing) skill.
Tent – This is a dome shaped tent that is rainproof. It comes with stakes to secure it
to the ground as well as collapsible poles. It can be put together in 15 minutes. It can
house up to 8 children.
Watch, Battery Powered – A digital watch with alarm, stop watch and a less than 1
lumen light to read the face at night. It is battery powered and lasts up to 2 years
before the battery will need to be replaced.
Watch, Self-Wind – A mechanical watch that requires the wearer to wind it up every 24
hours otherwise it ceases to function. It does not require batteries.
Water Bottle – A plastic container that holds up to 16 ounces of water, which can help
a child stay hydrated when out in the city considering that all water facets stop working
after 2 weeks.
Whistle – A small metal device that when blown it can produce a high-pitch whistle that
can be heard up to 1/4 th of a mile away.
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Ch.5 - Items
Transportation
Children use plenty of different ways to get around. While roller skates and
rollerblades are worn, and fit in a backpack when not in use, there are other methods
of transportation that are far larger than a child’s ability to carry outside of their
pockets or backpack. It’s up to the storyteller, but most children have a mountain
bike by the time they are 7, so it would not be unreasonable for the player characters
to start with one.
TABLE 5.8 – TRANSPORTATION
Name Short Description Value Speed Terrain
Bicycle, Mountain An all-terrain bicycle. 5 bx. +8 All
Bicycle, Road
Racing
Bicycle built for speed on roads. 4 bx. +10 Hard Top
Bicycle Accessories -- -- -- --
Front Basket
Back Basket
Able to hold 4 Small or 1 Large
object(s).
Able to hold 4 Small or 1 Large
object (s).
2 cb. -- --
2 cb. -- --
Bicycle Lock Chain with padlock. 1 cb. -- --
Cargo Trailer Capable of holding 10 large objects. 2 bg. -2 Hard Top
Wedge Saddle Bags Able to hold 4 Small objects. 1 cb. -- --
Front Light Pedal powered Flashlight. 1 bg. -- --
Pannier Bag
Able to hold 4 Small or 1 Large
object(s).
1 cb. -- --
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Scooter Hybrid of skateboard and bicycle. 3 bx. +6 Hard Top
Skateboard Board attached to 4 wheels 1 bx. +5 Hard Top
Bicycle, Mountain – Mountain bikes have larger tires with tread designed to allow the
bike to traverse most terrains. As long as the character has the ability to pedal, the
bicycle can usually make it through – although some loose terrains like sand can make
it harder for the character to pedal. The bicycle provides a +8 Speed bonus to the
child’s current speed. Additionally, a character may use Athletics (Run) in order to gain
additional speed.
Bicycle, Road Racing – Road racing bicycles are lighter and have thinner tires than
mountain bikes. They can only be used on hard surfaces in order to gain the Speed
bonus. The bonus applies to the character’s current Speed and can be increased by an
Athletics (Run) skill roll. It provides a +10 Speed bonus.
Bicycle Accessories - Bicycles have plenty of options for customization, which include
additional storage or even a flashlight. These accessories are easy to install and don’t
require heavy tools.

Items - Ch.5
• Front Basket – This is a wire basket that is open at the top. It is capable of holding
4 small objects or 1 large object. It is attached to the front of the handle bars.
• Back Basket – This is a wire basket that is open at the top. It is capable of holding
4 small objects or 1 large object. It is attached to the back of the bike.
• Bicycle Lock – A chain or metal beam that fits into a mechanism can attach the
frame of the bike to a bicycle rack or similar area to ensure that it isn’t stolen.
Some locks come in combinations or require a key to unlock. The difficulty level
for trying to pick the lock or guess the combination is 40.
• Cargo Trailer – This is a two-wheel trailer that attaches to the back of the bicycle
frame. It holds a plastic container that can fit up to 10 large objects or 40 small
objects, or a combination of each (4 small objects equal 1 large object). The
container has a lock on it and requires a key to get into it. The difficulty level for
trying to open the lock is 40.
• Wedge Saddle Bags – This bag is placed between the seat and the handle bars and
is able to hold up to 4 small objects or 1 large object.
• Front Light – This light is installed at the front of the bicycle on the handle bars.
There is a wire that runs from the light all the way to the back tire where a small
electrical motor is powered by pedaling. As long as the character pedals the light
remains on. The light produces up to 60 lumens and creates a spotlight of about
120 ft.
• Pannier Bag – Is a small bag that can fit beneath the seat facing the back of the
bike. This bag may hold up to 4 small items or 1 large object.
Scooter – This is a hybrid between a bicycle and a skateboard. Like the skateboard,
it is propelled by the child kicking off the ground. There are two wheels, one in the
front and back, that are attached to a board where the character stands. There is a rod
that comes up from the front where handle bars allow for the individual to steer. The
scooter provides a +6 Speed bonus to the child’s normal movement rate and may also
increase in speed depending upon the Athletics (Run) skill roll.
Skateboard – Is a board fixed to a pair of wheels in the front and back.
Skateboards can be used for a variety of tricks. Skateboards are not
as easy to learn as a scooter, but with practice a skateboard can
provide a character with a +5 Speed bonus. The child’s speed
can still increase by using the Athletics (Run) skill roll. The
skateboard is propelled by kicking off the ground. The
Gymnastics skill may be used while using a skateboard.
Real World Items
Any item that is presently sold in stores
or online in real life can be encountered in
the game world. It is up to the storyteller on
whether to include them and what their values
would be. Some may be incredibly common while
others may be rare.
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Ch.5 - Items
Badges
Badges are similar to patches, except they do not need to be stitched to someone’s
soul in order for the character to benefit from them. Any number of badges can be
worn at any time, but similar bonuses do not stack, meaning only the highest bonus is
used. All one needs to do in order to benefit from a badge is to have it on their person.
These can be easily lost if not attached to anything, so most stitch the badges onto
their clothes, and those who are sneaky about their badges will often hide them.
Badges are approximately 1 inch in diameter and add 1 Heavy per badge regardless
of the bonus it provides. Badges may also have Aura requirements to use them. If
a child does not equal or exceed the Aura amount then the badge does not function.
Badges cannot be created, but are found by defeating monsters, in hidden locations
around Applewood, or may even be gifts from the Boogeyman.
Below is a list of the most commonly known badges:
TABLE 5.9 - BADGES
Name
Ability Boost
Defense Boost
Elemental
Protection Shield
Resistance Boost
Skill Boost
Speed Boost
Description
Provides a bonus to one Ability score.
Provides a bonus to Evade, Resist or Willpower.
Weapons used deal bonus Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or Eternity
damage.
Provides a bonus to Protection.
Provides a resistance bonus to Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or Eternity.
Provides a bonus to 1 Skill.
Provides a Speed bonus.
TABLE 5.10 - BADGE MODIFIERS
Bonus
Per +1 Bonus
Value
1 Box of Candy Bars
Ability Boost – These badges provide a temporary bonus to one of the character’s
ability scores. The badge is specific to Strength, Body, Agility, Intellect, Spirit or Heart
and will only provide its bonus to that specific ability score. Enhancements to ability
scores do not count towards the acquisition of new skill points. Ability score badges are
often called by the name of the ability they increase, i.e. Strength badge, Body badge,
Agility badge, Intellect badge, Spirit badge and Heart badge.
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Items - Ch.5
Defense Boost – These badges add a temporary bonus to one of the character’s defense
scores such as Evade, Resist or Willpower. Defense badges are called by the name of
the defense they improve, such as Evade Badge, Resist Badge, or Willpower Badge.
Elemental – These badges add a temporary bonus to any weapon the child is wielding.
The badge is dedicated to a specific elemental type such as Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or
Eternity where the bonus is dealt that specific type in damage. Elemental badges are
often called by the name of the ability they increase, i.e. Fire badge, Frost badge, Acid
badge, Spark badge and Eternity badge.
Protection Shield – This provides an invisible layer of protection on the character. The
badge adds on top of the character’s present Protection score despite what article of
clothing the badge is stitched to.
Resistance Boost– These badges improve the character’s Shield, reducing damage
sustained from sources such as Fire, Frost, Acid, Spark or Eternity. These badges are
often named Fire Resistance, Frost Resistance, Acid Resistance, Spark Resistance or
Eternity Resistance badges and only provide bonuses to one specific element type.
Skill Boost – These badges are named after the skill that they influence and each
badge only influences one specific skill. The bonus that is provided adds to the Skill
roll results for that specific skill. An example would be Aware badge, Sports (Fishing)
badge or Sway badge.
Speed Boost – These badges provide a bonus to the number of squares that a character
may travel in a single move action.
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Ch.6 - Settings
134