Monday, July 8, 2019

The Karnagi Rider: A Class for OSR Games

This is part of a slow-moving project I'm working on, Warlords of Karnag-Tor, which will be out who knows when, but I brainstormed this player/NPC class while at work today, so here it is!

The Karnagi Rider:
From Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
A mounted fighter from the steppes of Karnag-Tor, the Karnagi Rider is a variation of Fighter/Warrior classes, specializing in ranged/mounted combat and survival. In Karnagi culture, these fighters serve as the main troops of any Citadel's militia, serving as both mounted infantry and cavalry. They are skilled sharpshooters, and typically engage enemies from a distance. They are also skilled pathfinders and trackers, and can live off the land nearly indefinitely on long campaigns.

The Karnagi Rider class requires a Dexterity of 14 or above and a Strength and Constitution of at least 9,and saves as a Fighter/equivalent class. Hit dice are a six-sided die. Lower-level Riders are not effective fighters from horseback, and suffer a -4 penalty to-hit when using ranged weapons while mounted and moving.

At first level, the Rider may select from the following gear, and all are issued with a Horseclaw, riding tack, a canteen, 3 days rations and a bedroll.

The options are as follows:
a. A single-shot cavalry carbine (1d10 dmg, 1/1 rate of fire, 15 rounds of ammunition) or b. A bundle of 8 javelins (1d6 dmg)

a. A nearly-unbreakable ceramic dirk (1d6 dmg) or b. A cavalry lance (1d12 damage while mounted, 1d10 when dismounted)

a. A ceramic scale mail shirt (AC 6) or b. 20 additional rounds of ammuniton or c. A steel longsword

Abilities:
At first level, Karnagi Riders have a 3-in-6 base chance to successfully forage for a days' food and water.

At third level, Riders are able to fight effectively from horseback and no longer suffer a to-hit penalty. Third level riders may also attempt Suicidal Maneuvers, in which Riders may choose to take 1d4 damage to themselves to add an additional +1 to to-hit rolls or saving throws made in combat. Additional damage/bonuses may be taken, up to a number equal to the character's level minus one- for example, a level 3 Rider may take up to 2d4 damage for +2 on a to-hit roll.

At fifth level, Riders are considered worthy of leadership, and will attract 1d4 0-level Riders per following level.

At ninth level, a Karnagi Rider is able to attain the title of Warlord, and may begin attaining followers and constructing a Citadel. Additional rules for Citadel construction will probably be in Warlords of Karnag-Tor.


The Karnagi Rider: A Class for OSR Games

This is part of a slow-moving project I'm working on, Warlords of Karnag-Tor, which will be out who knows when, but I brainstormed this ...