Living Arcanis Rules Compilation

109 Pages·2005·2.05 MB·English

Living Arcanis
Rules Compilation

Version 2005-01-25
Effective Date: January 25, 2005

LIVING ARCANIS, Arcanis, Onara, and The World of Shattered Empires are trademarks of Paradigm Concepts, Inc.
D&D, Dungeons & Dragons, d20, d20 System, RPGA, Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master, Dungeon Master’s
Guide, Monster Manual, and Expanded Psionics Handbook are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, and are used with
permission. Except as otherwise identified, all portions of this document are © Copyright 2005 Paradigm Concepts,
Inc. Permission is granted to photocopy this document for personal, non-commercial use only. Any mention of,
reference to, or use of any company name, trademark, or product in this document is not intended as a challenge to the
trademark or copyright in question. This document is intended solely as a reference for the players of the LIVING
ARCANIS campaign. This document is not intended for resale; if anyone attempts to sell you this document, please
contact Paradigm Concepts immediately through their website at www.paradigmconcepts.com.
Credits
This edition of the LIVING ARCANIS Rules Compilation, much like the LIVING ARCANIS campaign as a whole, is not the
work of one person or even of a small group of people. It represents the combined effort and loving attention to detail
of many, many individuals – the dozens of writers who have made “official” contributions to the campaign setting in
the form of sourcebooks and modules, the hundreds of contemplatives who have made “unofficial” contributions
through their newsgroup postings and e-mails, and the thousands upon thousands of dedicated players who shape the
world of Arcanis each and every day through their characters’ heroic efforts to make a lasting mark on the World of
Shattered Empires. This campaign would not be what it is today were it not for each and every one of you.

Team Paradigm: Henry Lopez, Nelson Rodriguez, Eric Wiener, Matt Blank, Pedro “Peter B” Barrenechea, Jim Beck
Project LARC Leads, Past and Present: Brian Schoner, Derrel Weaver, and M. Sean Molley
LA Development Team: M. Sean Molley, Terry Doner, Sean Smith, Russell S. Timm, James Zwiers
LA:Nishanpur Development Team: Kimberly A. Wajer-Scott, Philip Scott, Vincent Au, Sam Cluck, Scott Charlton
LA Meta-Organization Team: Adrian Estergaard, Akira Currier, Nicholas Dobson, John Ford, Tim Hebert, Robert
Maxwell, Michael D. Tufts, Dave Wayne
Previous LARC Contributors and/or LA Team Members: Kyle E. Arn, Jon Baer, John Miguel Baker, Duane
Choquette, Ryan Downing, Dale Friesen, Russell Higgins, Chris Jarvis, Jan Kuhlmann, Christopher LaLiberty, Keith
Palm, Daniel M. Perez, Emilio José Power, Brian Schoner, Greg Sherwood, Alberto D. Solano, Derrel Weaver
The FAQ Zoo: Greg “FAQ Lemur” Gershowitz, Chris Sanders, Dawn Sharp, Dave Wayne
Additional LA 3.5 Conversion Assistance: Paul Baughman, Brian Blumklotz, Greg Gershowitz, Eric Gorman,
Brendan “SouthernSkies” Robertson, Sean Williamson, and everyone who contributed thoughts and ideas to the
discussions on LA-Talk, LA3point5, LAPsionics, and LA35Conversion, not to mention the hundreds of private e-mails
Credited LA Scenario and Interactive Authors (through Winter Fantasy 2005, does not include mini-modules and
special missions): Henry Lopez (12), Kimberly A. Wajer-Scott (8), Jeffrey Witthauer (8), Jeffrey Meehan (7), M. Sean
Molley (5), Brian Schoner (5), Derrel Weaver (5), Scott Charlton (3), Eric Wiener (3), James Zwiers (3), David T.
Chappell (2), Jack Cooper (2), Philip G. Scott (2), René Alfonso, Vincent Au, Dean Bailey, Pedro “Stat Monkey”
Barrenechea, Jeff Boyce, Samuel Cluck, Simon Collins, Nicholas Dobson, Dale Friesen, Chris Jarvis, Jeff Johnston,
Stephen Muray, Kristy Ockunzzi, Daniel M. Perez, Mark Richardson, Nelson Rodriguez, Chris Sanders, Charles R.
Skidmore, Gregory S. Walker, and Michael S. Webster

goal with any changes will be to add options to
Introduction
characters (as more D&D® and Arcanis material is
LIVING ARCANIS is an RPGA d20 System member-run published), not to take away options. With that said,
campaign set in Arcanis, the World of Shattered there may be times, however infrequent, when we may
Empires. The campaign world is developed and have to restrict choices that were previously available to
supported by Paradigm Concepts, Inc. through a variety preserve game balance or story cohesiveness. Know that
of products, although participants are not required to we will only do so after careful consideration.
purchase any of PCI’s products to take part in the
LIVING ARCANIS campaign. For an introduction to
Campaign Administration
RPGA Living Campaigns in general, see the official
RPGA website. For an introduction to LIVING ARCANIS The LIVING ARCANIS campaign is administered through
in particular, see the official campaign website, which is a “team” structure, including the following groups:
known as Onara Online. There is also a lively discussion • Paradigm Concepts, Inc. (PCI) has ultimate
forum dedicated entirely to the LIVING ARCANIS authority over all decisions relating to the
campaign, which is frequently visited by the campaign campaign. PCI funds the campaign as a whole and
staff (who are collectively known as the “LIVING is responsible for scenario approval, helping
ARCANIS Development Team”) and by members of authors move from the concept stage through an
Paradigm Concepts (who are collectively known as outline to a first draft, answering all story questions
“Team PCI.”) relating to the world of Arcanis, and the production
of print products and other supplements for the
This document includes rules to cover various elements campaign world (such as the Codex Arcanis).
of the Dungeons & Dragons® game that have not • The LIVING ARCANIS Development Team is
previously been addressed in the LIVING ARCANIS responsible for the development and administration
campaign. The rules and changes contained herein are of the campaign rules (such as the LIVING ARCANIS
considered effective for the entire campaign as of the Rules Compilation, which you are reading right
date listed on the title page. now).
• The LIVING ARCANIS Edit Team is responsible for
Please be aware that these guidelines, like the LIVING scenario and certificate editing, working with
ARCANIS campaign as a whole, will change over time as authors after the first-draft stage has been reached,
both the ongoing story and the campaign setting evolve. and submitting approved scenarios to the RPGA for
Our commitment to you, the player, is that our primary distribution.
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 2
• There is a separate development team for the boundless enthusiasm, an ability to meet deadlines, and
LIVING ARCANIS: NISHANPUR campaign, which is a thorough knowledge of the world of Arcanis. If you
focused on developing scenarios and nefarious think you might be interested in joining the campaign
plots set within the city of Nishanpur in the staff, please send an e-mail to the appropriate team lead
Theocracy of Canceri. and let us know how you’d like to help out, along with a
• The campaign has an Ethics Liaison for dealing brief summary of what you feel are your qualifications
with reports of violations of the RPGA rules or the and areas of expertise.
campaign’s standards of conduct, as well as a
Convention Liaison who is responsible for working
How to Contact the Campaign Staff
with convention coordinators to ensure that they
The best way to get in contact with the campaign staff is
have access to scenarios and meta-campaign
via e-mail. The following list of staff members should
opportunities (such as Marketplaces).
help you direct your initial e-mail in the right direction.
• Meta-organizations, which are currently under
A great deal of information, including answers to a
development as of the time of this writing, will be
number of frequently-asked questions about the
administered by their own team once they are
campaign, can be found on the official campaign
approved and become part of the campaign.
website. There is also a very active Internet newsgroup,

where you can discuss the campaign and talk with
All of the members of the campaign staff are volunteers;
campaign staff, members of Paradigm Concepts, and (at
there are no paid positions on the LIVING ARCANIS team
the time of this writing) over 1,100 of your fellow
(though of course Paradigm Concepts hopes to make a
players.
profit on its print products relating to the campaign
setting). We are always looking for more dedicated
volunteers. The primary qualities we look for are

Table LARC-01: Campaign Staff Contact Information
Whom to Contact Title Reason to Contact E-Mail Address
Comments or questions
Henry Lopez President, Paradigm Concepts about Arcanis in general or
version of the LARC. This is by no means an exhaustive
RPGA Rules
list, so be sure to read all the campaign documentation
LIVING ARCANIS is a member-run campaign of the carefully for changes and clarifications that apply to
RPGA. (The RPGA is the roleplaying arm of organized your characters.
play at Wizards of the Coast, dedicated to providing
play opportunities and support for Dungeons & Dragons • The blast powder rules have been expanded and
and other d20 System games.) Because LIVING ARCANIS clarified. There are new rules for ownership,
is an RPGA ENABLED campaign, participants who play purchasing, storage in extra-dimensional spaces,
LIVING ARCANIS adventures at RPGA-sanctioned events transporting with magic/psionics, and information
are eligible for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS PLAYER REWARD about certain nations that are currently under a
points. Please visit the RPGA website for more blastpowder embargo from the Republic of
information about D&D PLAYER REWARDS and RPGA Altheria.
event sanctioning.
• A number of rules dealing with Portals of Anshar

and the usage thereof have been added.
All players, judges, and event organizers are required to
• The cohort rules have been completely overhauled,
abide by all published RPGA rules for ethical and fair
including the rules for cohorts and magic-item
play. Documents listing these rules may be downloaded
creation. Anyone with a cohort or who plans to take
from the RPGA website. Specifically, please refer to the
the Leadership feat must review this section in
RPGA General Rules and the RPGA Penalty Guidelines
detail.
for information concerning standards of conduct and
• Clarified the rules for scaling and soul-bound
behavior at all RPGA-sanctioned events. Participants in
weapons. Added a new type of item, soul-linked,
the LIVING ARCANIS campaign are also required to
which is similar to soul-bound but not quite as
follow all campaign-specific rules and rulings, and are
stringent.
expected to abide by the LIVING ARCANIS Guidelines for
• Introduced judge benefits for “eating” modules and
Ethical Play. Violations of these policies should be
author benefits for writing modules.
reported by electronic mail to the LIVING ARCANIS
• Created the LIVING ARCANIS adventure categories
Ethics Liaison.
(Introductory, Standard, Crawl, Story) to help

players decide which PC to play in a particular
Direct conflict between player characters (PCs) is
module.
forbidden, except in special cases such as a PC being
• Introduced an odd-numbered APL system, which
charmed or dominated. PCs may not steal or destroy
will be used in all new modules.
other PCs’ items, funds, or equipment. If such conflict
• Added a “Kid-Gloves” rule for low-level PCs to
occurs, the offending PCs will be removed from the
optionally increase their survivability.
campaign. However, due to the nature of LIVING
• Added an “annual rebuild” rule and a “character
ARCANIS, this rule may be waived for certain special
recycling” rule to improve players’ options for
events. If this occurs, all players will be notified of the
reconstructing or updating their characters.
exemption prior to the beginning of the event and will
be given an opportunity to opt out of PC versus PC • Expanded the list of approved RPGA Player
combat if so desired. Events at which PCs may directly Reward Cards, including the most recently-released
combat other PCs will only be held under the direct set (January 2005).
supervision of senior campaign staff. • Added the Restricted use restriction, which applies
to certain types of items, including extra-
All logsheets, item creation logsheets, certificates, and dimensional spaces. This category applies to items
other campaign records MUST be filled out in pen that are not necessarily Rare but that must still be
unless specifically detailed otherwise. Note that there is controlled in terms of total ownership.
no officially mandated character sheet for the campaign, • Introduced rules for creating “generic” (scaled-
but players are encouraged to maintain their character down) versions of Rare items. These rules kick in
sheets in a clean and readable fashion to make the when more than one PC at the table has the same
judge’s life easier. Characters are subject to being Rare item.
audited at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, • Updated the Lifestyle rules, including a slight
audits by campaign staff, GMs, senior GMs, or activity change to the rules for living off the land. Added
center or marketplace coordinators. No Lifestyle and Exalted Lifestyle as new options.
• Introduced a new limit on magic item values (per
item) for PCs based on character level.
Significant Changes / New Rules
• Information on meta-organizations has been added.
This section of the document will be updated each time
• Rules on PC death and resurrection have been
the LARC is revised. It highlights the major changes
changed and clarified.
from previous rules for the benefit of experienced
• Added the Supply Run rules, which allow PCs to
players.
purchase certain consumable items during scenario

play without needing a full-blown Marketplace.
The following rules have been added, clarified,
expanded, or significantly changed in this newest
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 4
• Rules for PC retirement and a limitation on prestige factions, secret factions, and other organizations
classes were introduced. Basic information about operate in general; each faction or organization also
the forthcoming High-Level Campaign was added. has its own individual rules document detailing
• Ranger favored enemy rules have been clarified. membership requirements and benefits)
• Poison use has been more strictly limited. • Paradigm Concepts Product Errata and Updates
• All campaign-legal special materials (such as (includes v3.5 conversions of PCI products
Sarishan steel) have been updated to the new released under the 3.0 rules, as well as consolidated
edition of the core rules. A new unit-based system errata and clarifications for all PCI products)
of measurement for special materials has been
implemented. See Appendix 1 for details. The documents listed above all contain information
• Introduced new rules for Power Levels for certed specifically for players. Judges and authors should also
favors. Converted a number of older favors with no be aware of the following official campaign documents
specific in-game benefit to use the new system. See that are intended for their use. No information that is
Appendix 2 for details. required for participation in the campaign as a player is
included in these documents, but players are allowed to
• Added a new “Scenario and Certificate Errata”
read them if they wish (i.e. these documents don’t
section with corrections and clarifications to certain
contain story spoilers).
modules and certs. See Appendix 3 for details.

• LIVING ARCANIS Judges’ Guidelines (includes
Campaign Sourcebooks and
information for judges, such as tips for handling
common situations that arise during the play of
Official Documents
Living Arcanis modules, details on the world that
LIVING ARCANIS is a d20 System campaign, so it uses
help the judge flesh out a story, tips on how
the rules found in the d20 System Reference Document
adventures set in Nishanpur differ from adventures
(SRD). The most current version of the SRD can be
in other parts of the world, and more)
found on the official d20 System website. The SRD
• LIVING ARCANIS Writers’ Guidelines (includes
includes material from the v3.5 revisions of Core
information for authors, such as scenario-design
Rulebook I, Core Rulebook II, and Core Rulebook III, as
tips, continuity reference information, updates to
well as the Expanded Psionics Handbook. As such,
NPC-only classes such as the Green Ronin
these books are considered the “core rules” for the
Assassin, and other items that are not usable by
campaign. Furthermore, the Paradigm Concepts print
players but may show up in scenarios)
products that establish the campaign setting of Arcanis

(the Codex Arcanis and the Player’s Guide to Arcanis)
The above documents are always released with a version
are also considered core rules for the campaign. The
number, which represents the effective date for that
most current published errata and clarifications for the
version of that document. The most current version of
SRD / core rulebooks and for the PCI print products are
each document always supersedes all previous versions.
considered core rules as of their date of their
The most current versions of the above documents can
publication.
always be downloaded from the official campaign

website, as well as from a variety of other sources. As
In addition to the core rulebooks, there are a series of
new material is approved for the campaign, the
documents that provide specific rules and adaptations
information in these documents will change to reflect
necessary to make the Living Campaign play
the new choices. Until new material is approved and
environment operate as smoothly as possible. The
released for general game play, either through these
LIVING ARCANIS campaign has thousands of players all
guidelines, through the official LIVING ARCANIS website,
over the world and these guidelines are designed to
or through a special “LIVING ARCANIS Approved”
make their play experiences as fair and equitable as
designator within PCI products, you may not use any
possible. All LIVING ARCANIS characters must comply
options or materials other than those described in the
with the most current versions of each of the following
current version of the LARC and the current version of
documents:
the CCG. When new options become available, you may

take advantage of them by adding them to your character
• LIVING ARCANIS Rules Compilation (this document,
at the next normal opportunity (usually level
which is known as the LARC)
advancement). You may decide to retroactively change
• LIVING ARCANIS Character Creation Guidelines
your character to take advantage of new options if you
(known as the CCG)
choose to use one of the newly available rule options.
• LIVING ARCANIS Frequently Asked Questions See the sections in this document entitled “Annual
(known as the LA FAQ) Rebuild” and “Recycling Characters” for more details.
• LIVING ARCANIS v3.5 Conversion Document (gives
rules for converting characters and updates
Inclusion of OGL Materials
campaign-approved OGL materials released under
the 3.0 rules) In addition to the core rules products listed above, a
• LIVING ARCANIS Meta-Organization Document (the number of additional sourcebooks from Paradigm
master rules document explains how national Concepts and other publishers have been approved for
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 5
use in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Only sourcebooks Paradigm Concepts or other OGL print product. (In the
that are (1) released with Open Gaming Content (OGC) case of psionics, a printed or electronic copy of the
under the terms of the Open Game License (OGL) and psionics sections of the System Reference Document is
(2) specifically incorporated into the LIVING ARCANIS also acceptable in lieu of bringing the Expanded
campaign through their inclusion in this document are Psionics Handbook, but you must bring the entire
allowed to be used in the campaign. If a book does not psionics SRD in a format suitable for the GM’s review.)
meet those two conditions, then NOTHING from that
book may be used in the campaign. Because of the rules Photocopies or PDFs of copyrighted material are not
of the Open Gaming License and the d20 System, considered acceptable (unless the product was released
products that do not include OGC can never be used in by its publisher as a licensed PDF). Although LIVING
LIVING ARCANIS. This includes, but is not limited to, the ARCANIS is a free campaign in the sense that neither
“builder books” and the “complete series” of books Paradigm Concepts nor the RPGA charge money to
published by Wizards of the Coast. Unless otherwise players or judges to download the adventures, bear in
noted in this document, third-party publishers’ official mind that PCI and the other publishers who make it
errata and updates to their products are considered possible for you to play can only earn their living by
official for the LIVING ARCANIS campaign as of their selling books. Please support them and their work.
dates of publication.
To be clear: If you, as a player, plan to make use of
Because LARC updates do not necessarily match release material that is not contained in Core Rulebook I, Core
dates for Paradigm Concepts’ print products, we have Rulebook II, or Core Rulebook III, then you must bring a
devised a system to allow new PCI material into the copy of that material to the gaming table for your judge
campaign before it is incorporated into the LARC. New to review. If you do not bring a copy of the material,
rules and other game materials from products published then you may not use that material during game play and
by PCI specifically marked with the LIVING ARCANIS you may not choose anything to replace it for the
“A” symbol may be used in the campaign immediately duration of that game.
upon the release of those products. Only material from
PCI products that is marked with the “A” symbol may The only exception to the above rule is in the case of
be used in the campaign without an explicit reference in certain campaign certificates found during adventures,
this document. The LARC always takes precedence over which may refer to items and equipment from the
a printed product, so material from PCI products that is various campaign-approved OGL sourcebooks. If you
marked with the “A” symbol and then subsequently gain a certed item in game, and that item comes from a
updated by this document is subject to the rules in this non-standard source, you are not expected to buy the
document. Material from PCI products that is not sourcebook simply to make use of that item. The
marked with the “A” symbol may not be used in the necessary rules should be printed on the certificate. If
campaign unless it is specifically mentioned in this you voluntarily craft such an item or purchase it at a
document. All other sources, whether from PCI or any marketplace, however, then you are expected to bring
third-party OGL publisher, that are made campaign- the relevant sourcebook to each game you play.
legal will be listed and detailed in this document.
To fully appreciate the depth of the LIVING ARCANIS
To be clear: If something is not campaign, Paradigm Concepts strongly recommends
specifically listed in the LARC (which that players and GMs own at least the Codex Arcanis
you are reading right now) and it is not and the Player’s Guide to Arcanis. Many of the
contained in a product from PCI and characteristics that make our campaign world unique
clearly marked with the “A” symbol and fulfilling are detailed in these publications.
denoting LIVING ARCANIS approved material (shown at Although players are not required to purchase any books
left), then you cannot use it in this campaign. to participate in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign,
Paradigm Concepts hopes that you will choose to invest
All source material, including material from the System in their high-quality products for Arcanis, the World of
Reference Document and other core rules, must be Shattered Empires. For the latest PCI product
included in this document to be approved for play in information, please visit the official company website at
LIVING ARCANIS. Because we cannot ask our campaign www.paradigmconcepts.com.
judges to purchase every conceivable product that any
player might want to use during any given game session,
Campaign Conversion
the onus is on you, the player, to bring any sourcebooks
or other materials that the judge may need to review. If This release of the LARC updates the LIVING ARCANIS
your LIVING ARCANIS character uses any races, base campaign to the v3.5 edition of the core rules. Effective
classes, equipment, feats, spells, prestige classes, or any immediately, the 3.0 rulebooks are no longer considered
other material from any publisher’s printed sourcebook valid for campaign play. Guidelines for converting
other than Core Rulebooks I, II, and III, then you must characters from the 3.0 rules to the 3.5 rules are
bring a copy of the sourcebook in question to every provided in the LIVING ARCANIS v3.5 Conversion
game in which you intend to play that character. This Document. All characters must comply with the new
includes the Expanded Psionics Handbook and any core rules and with the current versions of all the official
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 6
campaign documents before they can be played in any books must be removed from campaign play. You may
st
LIVING ARCANIS event after January 1 , 2005. replace them with materials of the same types from any
approved source to which your character has access.
In addition to updating the campaign rules for 3.5, there
are a number of other important changes in this release We realize that the loss of options from the builder
of the LARC. One set of rules that have been confusing books removes a tremendous amount of material from
to many players are those for crafting items, so we have the campaign. This was not a decision over which we
tried to address that area in detail. We hope that the new had any control; we had special permission to use the
LARC will clear up any confusion about the costs and original 3.0 builder books in the campaign, but Wizards
restrictions on PCs crafting items. We have also updated of the Coast did not directly update those books to the
all the rules for special materials (including rules for 3.5 rules, making them incompatible with the rest of the
measuring these materials, crafting items from these campaign. We cannot use the new “Complete” series
materials, and v3.5 conversions of all campaign- because they are not released under the OGL and do not
approved special materials). See Appendix 1 of this contain any OGC.
document for the special materials conversion rules.
Paradigm Concepts plans to release a number of
A large amount of OGL material that was published additional sourcebooks for the Arcanis setting, and we
under the 3.0 rules has been updated to the 3.5 rules for will also continue to adapt selected third-party OGL
use in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Please see the products for the campaign. It is always the player’s
LIVING ARCANIS v3.5 Conversion Document for details. choice whether or not to delay playing (and therefore
Paradigm Concepts’ products have been updated to the converting) a particular character until such time as
3.5 rules as well; these conversions are included in the additional sourcebooks are released that might contain
consolidated PCI Product Errata and Updates options that the player deems suitable replacements for
document. lost builder book material. However, it is not
permissible to continue using the 3.0 builder books
simply because the player does not believe that there is
Removal of “Builder Books”
anything suitable to use as a replacement. Either convert
With the campaign’s conversion to the v3.5 edition of
the character fully to 3.5 and play it, or delay converting
the core rules, certain books published by Wizards of the
the character and do not play it. We have provided the
Coast that were previously allowed in the LIVING
“Annual Rebuild” rules for those who do not want to
ARCANIS campaign have been removed. These books are
delay playing their characters but who might someday
collectively referred to as the “builder books” and
want to take advantage of new options that appear in
include Sword and Fist, Defenders of the Faith, Tome
future sourcebooks and supplements.
and Blood, Masters of the Wild, and Song and Silence.
Optional rules from these books that were used in the
Codex Arcanis / Codex Compendium
LIVING ARCANIS campaign (such as the opposed Tumble
check rule from Song and Silence) are no longer in play. Most of the “crunch” information from these two
sources has been updated to comply with the v3.5 rules
All items or equipment from these books must be sold in the Player’s Guide to Arcanis or in one of the official
during conversion to v3.5. If the item is a campaign LIVING ARCANIS campaign documents. These updates
certificate that you received during scenario play, it sells supersede any and all previous versions. Any rules item
for one-half the market value printed on the cert, with no from the Codex Arcanis or Codex Compendium that has
TU cost. If the item is one that you purchased at a not been updated to 3.5 is no longer available for
Marketplace, you receive a full refund of the purchase campaign play. However, the Codex Arcanis is still
price that you paid. If the item is one that you created extremely important for the campaign, because it serves
via mundane or magic-item creation, you receive a as the main setting sourcebook. All of the information
refund of the gold piece cost in raw materials that you about the Known Lands of Onara contained in the
expended during the item’s creation (i.e. one-half the Codex is still every bit as valid under the 3.5 rules as it
item’s market price), but you do not receive a refund of was under the 3.0 rules.
any other costs that you paid (such as XP or Time
Units).
The Player's Guide to Arcanis

The Player’s Guide to Arcanis (abbreviated PGtA) is the
All feats, base classes, and prestige classes from these
book that propels Onara into compliance with the D&D
books must be replaced with options that are currently
v3.5 rules. It includes races, base classes, prestige
approved for campaign play. All spells from these books
classes, feats, equipment, spells, and more. Significant
must be replaced with spells of equivalent level that are
portions of the mechanics of many previous PCI
currently approved for campaign play. (Your character
products were also updated and clarified for inclusion in
must have access to the replacement items you select, of
the PGtA.
course.)

The world of Arcanis is not exactly the same as the
To be clear: Builder book options are no longer allowed
generic fantasy world described in the D&D core rules.
for play in LIVING ARCANIS. All materials from these
In the case of a discrepancy between the PGtA and the
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 7
System Reference Document, the PGtA takes priority. In and which ones are not allowed at all). Clarifications
the case of a discrepancy between the PGtA and any and errata have been included in this document, so in the
other published Paradigm Concepts product, the PGtA event of any discrepancy between this document and the
also takes priority, unless specifically noted otherwise in PGtA, this document takes precedence.
the other product. (For example, the Player’s Guide to
Arcanis contains information applicable to ss’ressen PCs Chapter 7: Most of the equipment presented in this
that supersedes similar information in the product chapter is used in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign (see the
Ssethregore: In the Coils of the Serpent Empire.) In a relevant section of this document for a listing of which
similar fashion, the LARC brings the majority of the equipment is allowed without restriction, which
PGtA into play in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. In the equipment requires campaign documentation, and which
event of a discrepancy between the PGtA and any other equipment is not allowed at all). Any item that is not
Paradigm Concepts published product and this freely available for purchase may not be crafted by PCs.
document, the LARC takes priority.
Chapter 8: This entire chapter is allowed for use in the
The following sections of the PGtA are approved for use LIVING ARCANIS campaign.
in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign.
Chapter 9: This entire chapter is allowed for use in the
Chapter 1: The national information contained in this LIVING ARCANIS campaign.
chapter is used in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. This
information should be considered a general overview of Chapter 10: This entire chapter is allowed for use in the
each nation; far more details are found in the Codex, but LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Please see the clarifications
the information in the PGtA may be slightly more up-to- in the “Faction Fame/Infamy” section of this document,
date with developments that have taken place in the however. When it is released, the LIVING ARCANIS Meta-
Known Lands since the Codex was published. In game Organization Document will also contain information
terms, the Codex is set in 1024 I.C. while the Player’s that updates or replaces some of the text from the PGtA.
Guide contains information from certain events that took
place at the very end of 1026 I.C. (In real-world
Adventures
calendar year 2005, the current campaign year is 1028
I.C.) This section contains general rules that apply to all
LIVING ARCANIS adventures. Most of these rules are
Chapter 2: The races presented in this chapter are used reprinted at the front of each module, in what is
in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Clarifications and commonly known as the “boilerplate.” Judges and
errata have been included in this document, as well as in players are strongly encouraged to review the boilerplate
the LIVING ARCANIS Character Creation Guidelines, so in for each module that you download from the RPGA, as
the event of any discrepancy between the campaign changes to the boilerplate sometimes make their way
rules and the PGtA, the campaign rules take precedence. into newer modules before they make their way into the
LARC. However, any module boilerplate published
Chapter 3: The classes presented in this chapter are before 01 January 2005 is hereby superseded by the text
used in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Clarifications below, with the exception that older modules written
and errata have been included in this document, as well using even APLs instead of odd APLs should still be run
as in the LIVING ARCANIS Character Creation Guidelines, using even APLs. Judges should not try to convert such
so in the event of any discrepancy between the campaign modules on the fly to the odd-APL system.
rules and the PGtA, the campaign rules take precedence.
Adventure Categories
Chapter 4: The skills, skill specializations and sub-
LIVING ARCANIS issues adventures in four different
specializations, skill synergies, and regional skills
categories. The category provides some information
presented in this chapter are all used in the LIVING
about the type of module and the level and nature of the
ARCANIS campaign. However, the “levels of language
challenges therein. This is intended to help players
skill” rule variant is not used in the LIVING ARCANIS
decide which modules are best suited to their play style,
campaign.
as well as which modules to play with which characters.

Chapter 5: The feats presented in this chapter are used
Introductory scenarios are special modules designed to
in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign. Clarifications and
help bring new players into the world of LIVING
errata have been included in this document, so in the
ARCANIS. They are designed for 1st-level characters,
event of any discrepancy between this document and the
although existing characters of 2nd level are also
PGtA, this document takes precedence.
allowed. 3rd-level and higher-level PCs may not be

played in an Introductory scenario. These adventures
Chapter 6: Most of the prestige classes presented in this
include pre-generated 1st-level characters in a “ready to
chapter are used in the LIVING ARCANIS campaign (see
play” format that can be handed to new players when
the relevant section of this document for a complete
they sit down at the table. If the player likes the
listing of which prestige classes are allowed without
character, she may keep it and continue playing it; all
restriction, which ones require campaign documentation,
she needs to do is change the name and a few identifying
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 8
details. Alternatively, the player may choose to create To find the APL, use the following steps:
her own new character, in which case she is allowed to
apply the XP, gold, and certificates earned by the pre- Step 1: Add up the levels of all PCs and cohorts at the
generated character to her newly-created PC. table. If PCs bring animals that have been trained for
Standard scenarios are the “bread and butter” LIVING combat (most likely warhorses or dogs trained for war),
ARCANIS modules and represent the bulk of scenario use the following chart to determine the number of
releases in each campaign year. They have an intriguing levels you add to the sum above. Animals
story that frequently involves a few deadly combats that accompanying a character by virtue of class abilities
help to forward the plot. These adventures follow the (e.g. animal companions, familiars, paladin and holy
typical RPGA format and make use of campaign-defined champion mounts, etc.) are not included in this
APL and treasure calculations. Most Standard calculation. A character with the Mounted Combat feat
scenarios do support 1st-level characters, but pre- may also treat his primary mount as an animal
generated characters are not provided with the companion for this purpose; that mount’s Hit Dice are
adventure. not included in the APL calculation.

Crawl scenarios are classic D&D dungeon crawls. This Add each character's animals separately. A single PC
type of scenario will usually have a high number of may bring no more than four animals, regardless of their
deadly combat or trap encounters that are loosely tied source, and animals with different CRs are added
together by some common plot or located in a particular separately. (Certed animals that do not have individual
site of interest. These adventures follow the typical CR values provided, such as the certed rat Skiz, do not
RPGA format and make use of campaign-defined APL add to the APL unless the certificate says otherwise.)
and treasure calculations, but they are given the Crawl
designation to alert players that there will be a higher Divide by the total number of PCs and cohorts to get the
proportion of combat encounters (and some or all of the average level. Remember that a maximum of six players
combat encounters may be particularly challenging). and/or cohorts may participate in the adventure and that
This information might help a player decide to use a a minimum of four PLAYERS (not characters) are
character that is more optimized for scenarios with an needed to form a legal RPGA table.
emphasis on combat and battle tactics.

Mundane # of Animals
Story scenarios are adventures that focus more on plot
Animals’
exposition and political intrigue than combat (although
they can be just as deadly). These scenarios will be used Effect on APL 1 2 3 4
to forward significant campaign plotlines and may
1/4 &
involve very little to no combat. These adventures may 0 0 0 1
1/6
follow a variety of customized formats, and they often
1/3 &
have special APL and treasure calculations (which will 0 0 1 1
1/2
be specified in the individual scenario). This information
might help a player decide to use a character that is more 1 1 1 2 3
optimized for scenarios with an emphasis on role-
2 2 3 4 5
playing and social interaction.
3 3 5 6 7
APL Calculations
4 4 6 7 8
LIVING ARCANIS uses a calculation based on the Average
Party Level (APL) to determine the nature of certain
5 5 7 8 9
challenges within a scenario. These rules are intended to
encourage players to play at an appropriate-APL table, 6 6 8 9 10
while still making allowances for including players who
7 7 9 10 11
would otherwise not be able to play at all.

Step 2: To this average level, add 1 if there are a total of
Determining Average Party Level
six PCs and/or cohorts in the party. (A table of six is
Most LIVING ARCANIS adventures published in calendar
often referred to as a “full table” in RPGA parlance.)
year 2005 and beyond will use an odd-APL system, but

older adventures are based on an even-APL system, and
Step 3: Perform “natural rounding,” in which a fraction
some modules that were in development at the end of
of 0.5 or higher rounds up to the next highest whole
2004 before the change was decided upon may be
number and a fraction of strictly less than 0.5 rounds
released in 2005 using the even-APL system. The
down to the next lowest whole number. For example, an
instructions below are for adventures that use odd APLs;
average of 5.4 would round to 5. An average of 5.5
to determine the APL for an adventure that uses even
would round to 6. This number is called the rounded
APLs, follow the steps below but make the necessary
APL.
substitutions of “even” for “odd.”

Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 9
CR of Animal
Use common sense when performing the rounding: don't An APL 2 table may not choose to bump itself down, as
get into a debate over the number of decimal places and there is no APL 1.) Bumping the APL down is normally
whether or not 4.45 should actually be 4.5 and therefore done when the table is more role-play-heavy, when key
round up to 5. If the first decimal place isn't a 5 or support classes are missing, or when the players feel that
higher, then round down. their PCs will be in danger of dying if they play at the
calculated APL. They will receive the XP and GP
Step 4A: If the result of Steps 1-3 (the rounded APL) is rewards from the new, lower APL. The final APL is
an odd number, then that odd number is the calculated equal to the new, lower APL in this case. A table that
APL for the party. Proceed to Step 5. (Important: The chooses to bump itself down willingly accepts lower
only exception to this is APL 2. If the rounded APL is 2, rewards in return for lower risks.
then the calculated APL is also 2, and you should
proceed to Step 5, ignoring Step 4B.) Step 6: If any PC at the table is more than 3 levels
away from the final APL as determined by Steps 1
Step 4B: If the result of Steps 1-3 (the rounded APL) is through 5, then that PC is considered out of tier. The PC
an even number greater than 2, then the players must will receive one-half the XP reward that he would
vote whether to “play up” to the next-highest odd APL, normally have earned for the adventure, and will pay
or "play down" to the next-lowest odd APL. This choice double the TU cost listed for the scenario. (This
determines the calculated APL for the party. For additional TU cost doesn't apply to any meta-game
example, if the rounded APL is 8, then the players must related costs, such as item creation, nor does it apply to
choose a calculated APL of either APL 7 or APL 9. any time spent in prison, or to any player-optional TU
expenditures for special certificates that are offered at
Step 5: Sometimes the players know that their particular the end of some modules.)
collection of PCs is especially powerful (or seems ill-
suited to the module). To accommodate this, the Cohorts are not subject to Step 6. A cohort can play at
calculated APL may now be adjusted up or down by one any table, regardless of the APL, and receives full
step if the players so desire, according to either Step 5A rewards for the module based on the final APL including
or Step 5B, but not both. This step is optional and many a full share of treasure based upon whatever method of
tables will not want or need it (particularly tables that treasure division is used. However, cohort advancement
already had to make a choice in Step 4B). If this step is is strictly limited to the bounds specified by the rules in
omitted, then the final APL is simply equal to the the LARC. Remember that cohorts may only be played
calculated APL from Step 4. If the table chooses to play if there are not enough human players to make a full
down, that decision will become important at the end of table of six. Real people always take priority over the
the adventure, since XP, GP, and certificate awards are inclusion of cohorts, even if some of the real people will
based on the final APL, not on the calculated APL. have to take the XP and TU penalties described in Step
6.
Note for special events: Step 5 may be disallowed
during certain “elimination” type events where only a Important Note: Certed items whose power level varies
limited number of tables progress from one round to according to the APL should have the appropriate power
another. Step 5 may also be disallowed during other level checked based on the final APL from Step 5 (if the
special events, such as Battle Interactives. table chose to play down, then the final APL will be
different from the calculated APL; be sure to use the
Step 5A: The table may choose to bump themselves up lower value). Certed items may be awarded to any
to the next-highest APL. For example, an APL 5 table player or cohort at the table as part of the treasure
may choose to play up to APL 7. (An APL 2 table that distribution, even to players who are otherwise receiving
elects this option will play at APL 3, though this is not lower rewards than normal due to Step 6. The power
recommended if the table includes 1st-level characters.) level of such items is not adjusted, even if they are
Bumping the APL up is normally only done when the awarded to characters whose rewards are otherwise
table is very combat-heavy and the players feel that their reduced or limited for being our of tier.
PCs will not receive a challenge if they play at the
calculated APL. They will only receive the listed XP
Scenario Level Caps
and GP rewards from the calculated APL, however, not
Every LIVING ARCANIS scenario is designed to support a
from the new, higher APL. The final APL is equal to the
specific range of APLs. With the exception of high-
calculated APL in this case. Basically, a table that
level-only scenarios and special events, most modules
chooses to bump itself up accepts additional risk without
will support some subset of the range from APL 2 to
additional reward, but the players gain the satisfaction of
APL 13. The level ranges listed on the cover page of
knowing that they have overcome greater challenges
each LIVING ARCANIS scenario are hard caps. The level
than the calculated APL would indicate.
cap for newer scenarios is determined by subtracting 1

from the lowest APL supported and adding 1 to the
Step 5B: Alternatively, the table may choose to bump
highest APL supported. A scenario that supports all of
themselves down to the next-lowest APL. For example,
st
APL 2 through 13 will therefore allow characters of 1
an APL 5 table may choose to play down to APL 3. (An
th
through 14 level to participate. (Such a scenario would
APL 3 table that elects this option will play at APL 2.
Living Arcanis Rules Compilation 205-01-25 10