Converting Characters

    The first step in converting an AD&D Trinalia character to Fantasy Hero is converting their characteristics. While Fantasy Hero provides guidelines for doing this, it does not take into account the Player's Option system or Trinalia house rules which make a more complete picture of the character.
    Accordingly, characteristics can be converted as follows:

• STR = Strength / Muscle. For each percentile category above 18, add one to the STR characteristic. For each point above 18, add up to an additional 4 points.
• DEX = Dexterity (average). If you have a character with a Balance / Aim split, you may wish to represent it by setting DEX equal to the smaller of the two, and then converting the points you saved into combat skill levels of the appropriate type (missile or melee).
• CON = Con / Health. Fitness will end up working into body.
• BODY: Take the character's hit points. If hit points are 10 or less, body is the same. If hit points are 11 or more, the converted character's BODY should be a base of 10 plus 1 BODY per 2 hit points the character had over 10.
• INT = Intelligence
• EGO = Wisdom
• PRE = Cha / Leadership
• COM = Cha / Appearance

Skills, abilities, and disadvantages

    In converting the rest of your character, you will likely exceed the character point limits normal for a starting character in a fantasy hero campaign. However, as discussed in the Fantasy Hero appendix, you get 20 points of "experience" per level of the converted character. This should be interpreted as "20 points per level past first." Thus a 4^th level character would get 60 points for the conversion.
    For characters with 2 or 3 classes, take the CPs of the primary class and ½ of the CPs of all other classes. This reflects the fact that there are overlapping abilities between classes, and that points in the HERO system pay for skills and characteristics that are not covered by classes in AD&D.
    Fantasy Hero includes guidelines for converting classes and proficiencies to specific skills, abilities, and packages. However, there are some specific guidelines for my campaign when converting magic-using classes.
    There will be a great degree of interpretation required on the GM's and player's part. Disadvantages should be created based on kit, class, alignment, background, and personality.
 

Martial Arts:

    The Trinalia campaign already features a variety of martial arts maneuvers. In addition, it is useful to express certain dueling styles as martial arts. Characters who have a high degree of mastery in their weapons should take some points in weapon maneuvers.
    Some may question my extensive use of martial arts in a heroic fantasy campaign. However, I think using the HERO system martial arts rules has multiple benefits in this type of setting. It helps portray the martial prowess of epic figures, yet keeps such figures distinctive. It allows more alternatives in character creation since with martial arts, being a strong fighter is no longer the end-all and be-all to being a good fighter. It gives martial type characters things to spend their points on while the mages are buying their spells. And, finally, it may give the PCs a fighting chance against what I'm likely to throw against them.
    Aside from that, the Trinalia game has always had a strong martial arts tradition among various priesthoods. However, the HERO martial arts rules allow me to put masters of weapons alongside the more esoteric martial artists.
    Note that many of these styles use maneuvers that are not in the basic maneuver list of the Ultimate Martial Artist. Such maneuvers have been added to make certain styles more distinctive, but usually no more than two such maneuvers have been added to any art.

Aborian Fencing
    This style is the central fencing style practiced throughout most of the Aborian region of Trinalia. It actually encompasses several fighting schools practice with hand weapons, primarily blades.
    Not all characters converted to FH should take this style, but those who had specialization in a weapon or fighting style under AD&D should take some maneuvers to represent it.

Fast Draw (talent)
KS: Aborian Fencing
WF: Common Melee Weapons*
WF: Karate Weapons
WF: Off Hand

+1 Use Art with Clubs
+1 Use Art with Axes, Maces, and Picks
+1 Use Art with Two Handed Weapons
+1 Use Art with Karate Weapons
+1 Use Art in Armor
+1 Use Art Barehanded

Optional Rules: The precision strike and sacrifice slash take a 3d6 location roll. The charge takes a 2d6+1 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Aborian Fencing Substyles
    There are a great variety of variations in the Aborian Fencing style. These substyles should be used as a guide in converting characters.
 

Classical Style
    This style represents the classical styles that are often used by the typical soldier or adventuring warrior from the mainland. Characters who had specialization under the old system should pursue this style. To be considered a classical Aborian Fencer, the character should take the Charge, Parry, and Precision Strike maneuvers.

Sword Cities Fencing
    A basic fencing style identical to the historical "Florentine style", this style is common to swashbuckling fencers in the sword cities of the south as well as some areas in the free cities.
    To be considered a practitioner of Sword Cities Fencing, the character should take the Disarm, Parry, and Precision Strike maneuvers, as well as WF: Off hand. Stylists should also pursue the ambidexterity talent.

Majenkan Knife Fighting
    This style originated in the rough streets of Majenka, where only the wealthiest duelists can afford a large metal weapon. Accordingly, it concentrates on the use of small bladed weapons in one or both hands. This style is now common throughout the islands of the Kylopean sea.
    To be considered a majenkan knife-fighter, the character should take the Disarm, Precision Strike and Cautious Strike maneuver, and should take the ambidexterity talent.

Young Baronies Style
    Also known as Orion Blade style, this style is known for being practiced by the monastic knights of central northern Trinalia, as well as many human kingdoms on the inner coast.
    To be considered a practitioner of Young Baronies Style, the character should take the Parry, Disarm, and Precision strike maneuvers, and take the barehanded element.
 

KS: Aborian Fencing
Riding
WF: Common Melee Weapons*

+1 Use Art with Lances
+1 Use Art with Two Handed Weapons
+1 Use Art with Shield

Optional Rules: The slash and sacrifice strike take a 3d6 location roll. The windless strike and charge takes a 2d6+1 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll. Use the relative location rules when mounted.

Black Snake

    This style is the style of the assassin's guilds and various sects of dark monks and enclaves of spies. It is primarily used to facilitate the assassin's discrete passage into or out of an area where a target lies. It is believed that this art originated in the Order of Samoti, a group of monks that train and operate as assassins.
    Black snake primarily relies on nerve strikes, throws, and holds to disable or distract an opponent quickly. Movement abilities also aid the assassin's abilities in tight spots.
    This art is loosely based on the real life art of taijutsu, more commonly known as ninjutsu.

Acrobatics
Breakfall*
Combat Sense
KS: Black Snake
Stealth*
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Common Martial Arts Melee Weapons
WF: Off Hand

+1 Use art with blades
+1 Use art with chain / rope weapons
+1 Use art with fist loads
+1 Use art with clubs

Optional Rules: The smash kick maneuver takes a 3d6 location roll. The snap punch and nerve punch maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The snap kick takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The choke hold is automatically a head shot but receives no bonuses for being such. The joint strike may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Bladesinging

    This is the highly evolved style of the elves. Extremely flexible, the elves learned to use it with a wide variety of weapons. However, the technique is most famous for its use with the sword.
    Elves who know this art will avoid teaching the art to anyone that is not of elven blood. The character may take the 5 point disadvantage "secretive about art" (uncommon, strong.) Such a character will never consider teaching it to a non-elf, and will react negatively to anyone who seems to be performing an analyze style roll on the character.
    This style is well known for its highly defensive nature and the agility of its practitioners. Practitioners usually buy combat levels with called shots. Note that it is much more defensive than Aborian Fencing.

Skills:

Combat Sense
Defense Maneuver
Fast Draw (talent)
KS: Bladesinging
WF: Common Melee Weapons*

+1 Use Art with Clubs
+1 Use Art with Two Handed Weapons
+1 Use Art with Staff
+1 Use Art in Armor

Optional Rules: The precision strike and sacrifice slash take a 3d6 location roll. The charge takes a 2d6+1 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
Special Abilities: A character with spellcasting ability who has mastered the Bladesinging style who has the defensive strike maneuver and the style KS at 11- may use that maneuver's bonuses when casting a spell, as long as the spell does not have the concentrate 0 DCV limitation.

    A character may select a different weapon than sword for the free group; in that case, simply take one of the other weapon groups for free.

Butterfly

    This gentle art was created by the immortal Queen Ariel in ancient times. It was once thought lost, but with her return has been re-introduced into the land. It is the only art practiced on a wide scale in the Principality of Athos, and even there it is mostly limited to priests and courtiers there.
    This art is characterized by sweeping, multi-functional circular motions and throws, and is very effective.
    Butterfly is basically an amalgamation of the real world arts of Wing Chun (a Chinese art characterized by circular and weaving motions, locks and blocks), and Jujutsu (the forerunner to modern Judo, which is primarily blocks and throws)

Acrobatics*
Breakfall
Combat Sense
KS: Butterfly
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Common Martial Arts Melee Weapons

+1 Use art with blades

Optional Rules: The smash kick maneuver takes The circle punch and nerve strike maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The circle kick and legsweep maneuvers take a 2d6+7 location roll. The choke hold is automatically a head shot but receives no bonuses for being such. The joint strike may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Coiled Dragon

    This highly offensive art is one of the two major arts associated with the Dragon-knights. The art emphasizes hand strikes, blocks, and speed.
    This art is based on real life arts of Karate, the modern unarmed art what was originally developed on Okinawa, and Kempo, the Japanese version of Shaolin Kung-fu.

Acrobatics*
KS: Coiled Dragon
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Common Martial Arts Melee Weapons

+1 Use Art with Blades
+1 Use Art with Polearms
+1 Use Art in Armor

Optional Rules: The punch, elbow strike, and Dragon Claw maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The knee strike takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The choke hold is automatically a head shot but receives no bonuses for being such. The joint strike may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Dark Banner
    This art is the most prevalent in the Empire of Drakkar. It is primarily practiced by the Bloodhounds and monks of Idan, Masters of the art are very selective about who they select as pupils.
    Practitioners of this art are become deadly with both weapons and unarmed combat. Their flowery leaping maneuvers can send devastating blows to an opponent from any angle and from any position. Also unusual - and effective - is the emphasis on ground fighting. Practitioners prefer taking an opponent to the ground (usually landing on top of them) and finish the fight from that position.
    This style is based on the real world art Pentjak Silat, a powerful and diverse art practiced in the Malaysian Archipelago.

Acrobatics*
KS: Dark Banner
KS: Drakkarian Theology
KS: Torture
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Whip

+1 Use Art with Blades
+1 Use Art with Whips

Optional Rules: The kick and killing strike maneuvers takes a 3d6 location roll. The punch maneuver takes a 2d6+1 location roll. The knee strike takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The joint strike may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Drakkarian Pole Fighting

    This style is practiced mainly by polearm wielding Drakkarian troops, but also some hobgoblins and other humanoids who do not use the hobgoblin pole style. It teaches unarmed attacks in addition to armed maneuvers to provide flexibility and surprise in combat. This style may be used with quarterstaves, bo sticks, spears or polearms

Skills:

Defense Maneuver
KS: Drakkarian Pole Fighting
WF: Common Melee Weapons*
WF: Staff

+1 Use Art with Staff
+1 Use Art Barehanded
+1 Use Art with Two Handed Weapons
+1 Use Art in Armor

Optional Rules: The Pole Slam and Offensive Slash maneuvers take a 3d6 location . The punch maneuver takes a 2d6+1 location roll. The kick maneuver takes a 2d6+7 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Drakkarian Wrestling

    This art is most commonly seen in the arenas in Drakkar. Bouts involve brutal clashes between the tall, powerfully built practitioners of this art.
    This art relies on sweeps. stunning slaps. and throws to crush opponents. The combination of fighting technique with such sheer mass results in a lethal and often underrated martial arts style. Practitioners of this art are nearly always massive male fighters.
    This art is based on Sumai, or sumo wrestling, the national sport of Japan, but I picture it a bit like professional wrestling as well.

Breakfall
KS: Drakkarian Wrestling

None

Optional Rules: The slap and slam maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The crush maneuver does generalized damage. The remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Dwarven Axefighting

    This time-honed method has served the Dwarves through the years. Unlike bladesinging, there is no great secrecy about it. It is simple, brutal, and effective. Some humans in lands near those of the dwarves may know it as well.
    Though this art is usually known with the axe, it may be used with other long hafted weapons or large swords. Thus it is often called "Dwarven Smashing Style."

Defense Maneuver
KS: Dwarven Axefighting
WF: Common Melee Weapons

Elements:

+1 Use art with blades
+1 Use art with clubs
+1 Use Art with Two handed weapons

Use Art with Axes, Maces, and Picks Weapon Group; Axes, Maces, and Picks Weapon Element is Free. Armor Element is also free.

Optional Rules: All attacks with this style take a 3d6 location roll, but the GM may wish to use the relative position rules to modify this if the dwarf is much shorter than the target (see Ninja Hero, page 79). All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Emerald Shadow
    This art is fairly new in the land of Trinalia. It combines various techniques from Butterfly style, Springing Legs, and Black Snake. It was developed and is used by members of the emerald brotherhood.
    The style combines kicks, locks, and defensive maneuvers. This combination proves excellent for wandering agents in defending themselves and helping out in a pinch where they have no weapons. The style is also taught with staff and sword, similar to Steel Serpent.

Skills:

Acrobatics*
Breakfall
KS: Emerald Shadow
Stealth
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Staff
Traveler (skill enhancer)

+1 Use Art with blades
+1 Use Art with Staff

Optional Rules: The hand strike and counterstrike maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The snap kick takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The choke hold is automatically a head shot but receives no bonuses for being such. The joint strike and joint lock maneuvers may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Greenwood Archery

This is the archery skill of the humans in the west. It was first taught at the ranger's academy is Skabrae, combining some basic elements from simpler human archery forms with elements of elven Thornwood Archery (c.f.). Since then, its use has been spread throughout the west by rangers and the emerald brotherhood.

Skills:

KS: Greenwood Archery
PS: Bowyer
WF: Bows*

Used with Bows Weapon Group; Bows Weapon Element is free.

Optional Rules: All attacks take a 3d6 location roll. Disarm does not take a location roll.
 

Hobgoblin Polearm Style

Superficially similar to Drakkarian Pole Fighting, this style is practiced mainly by hobgoblins and other humanoids, as well as some spear using human warriors who face them. It is also similar to styles used by oriental humans in the far off land of Khitan and some elite warriors of the Materan amazons.

It teaches use of the whole pole, not just the blade. This style may be used with quarterstaves, bo sticks, spears or polearms. It's most distinctive maneuver is the whirling takedown, in which the practitioner spins the pole to build leverage and momentum.

Skills:

Combat Sense
KS: Hobgoblin Polearm Style
WF: Common Melee Weapons
WF: Polarms*
WF: Staff*

+1 Use Art with Staff*
+1 Use Art with Two-Handed Weapons
+1 Use Art in Armor

Use art with Polarms Weapon Group; Polearms Weapon Element is Free.

Optional Rules: The Slash and Thrust maneuvers take a 3d6 location . The Spear Charge maneuver takes a 2d6+1 location roll. The Whirling Takedown maneuver takes a 2d6+7 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Mintaran Wrestling

This style is an outgrowth and combination of more typical boxing and wrestling techniques. It was formerly one practiced in ad hoc matches in backstreets of the free cities, but in recent years it has gained a more mainstream acceptance as an arena sport in Mintar West, and to a lesser extent, other Free Cities.

This style is based on pankration, a gladiatorial fighting art that was practiced in the arenas of ancient Greek and Rome.

Skills:

Breakfall
KS: Mintaran Wrestling

+1 Use with fist loads

Optional Rules: The punch maneuver takes a 2d6+1 location roll. The kick takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The throws do generalized damage. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Springing Legs

This art has been passed down through the years among the followers of Orion, both lay and ordained. It has attracted the attention of some lower class communities in the free cities, where it has become a brawling sport. However, after the razing of Mintar East, bouts have been difficult to come by.

This style has a strong emphasis on kicking and movement. The springing legs practitioner undergoes rigorous physical training to harden their bodies. It is a powerful, flashy, effective art.

This art is loosely based (very loosely) on the real life arts of Thai Kick Boxing, a brutal arena kickboxing sport practiced in Thailand, and Tai Kwon Do (a Korean art notable for its kicking and breaking techniques.)

Skills:

Acrobatics*
KS: Springing Legs
KS: Aborian Theology

+1 Use art with blades
+1 Use art with clubs
+1 Use art with staves
+1 Use art with karate weapons

Optional Rules: The sprining kick and roundhouse kick maneuvers take a 3d6 location roll. The backfist strike, punch, and elbow smash maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The circle kick and knee smash takes a 2d6+7 location roll. The knee snap kick and legsweep automatically hits the legs, but legsweep takes no penalty for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.

Special Abilities: Springing Legs practitioners should buy extra inches of superleap with the "requires acrobatics skill roll" limitation (-½). Additionally, those who wish to develop the breaking maneuver ability may wish to take the armor piercing advantage on kick or smash attacks with the limitation only against inanimate objects (-1).
 

Steel Serpent

This is one of the two major arts practiced by the Dragon-knights. It's emphasis on the use on quick blades and defensive nature have made it appealing to some fencers of the free cities who have seen the Dragon-knights in action. However, the Dragon-knights have not been as sharing of their knowledge as some others would like.

This art is based on the real-world martial art Aikijutsu, with a stronger emphasis on weapon elements.

Maneuver	Phs	Cost	OCV	DCV	Effect
Binding Serpent	½	4	+1	+0	Bind, +10 STR
Darting Block	½	5	+1	+3	Block, Abort
Dodge	½	4	-	+5	Dodge all attacks; Abort
Escape	var.	4	+0	+0	+15 STR vs. Grab
Grapple	½	3	-1	-1	Grab Two Limbs; +10 STR or Holding on.
Joint Break	½	5	-1	-2	Grab One Limb; ½d6 HKA (2 DC), Disable.
Joint Lock Throw	½	4	+1	+0	Grab One Limb; 1d6 NND (3); Target Falls
Strike	½	4	+0	+2	STR +2d6 Strike
Throw	½	3	+0	+1	STR +v/5; Target Falls
Wavering Serpent Block	½	4	+2	+0	+10 STR vs. Shove; Block, Abort

Skills:

Breakfall*
Defense Maneuver
KS: Steel Serpent

+1 Use art with blades
+1 Use art with polearms
+1 Use art with staves

Optional Rules: The strike takes a 3d6 location roll. The snap punch and nerve punch maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The joint break and joint lock throw may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. The throw does generalized damage. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Thornwood Archery

This is the archery skill of the elves of silver, sun, sea, or forest heritage. It is nearly universal among the elves, and dates back to times that the elven races were as one.

This art does not share near the same secrecy as bladesinging does. Elves can and do teach it to half-elves, and even some humans. Humans have incorporated various techniques of this art into their own Greenwood Archery (c.f.).

Skills:

KS: Thronwood Archery
PS: Bowyer
Stealth
WF: Bows*

Used with Bows Weapon Group; Bows Weapon Element is free.

Optional Rules: All attacks except ranged throw take a 3d6 location roll. Ranged throw takes a 2d6+7 location roll. Ranged disarm does not take a location roll.
 

Turanian Style

This style evolved from primitive techniques practiced by old Turanian clansmen in the northeast peninsulas of Trinalia. It the time of the Barean Empire, the art evolved into the advanced, effective style that it is today.

Also called northern smashing style, Turanian style takes advantage of the power of large weapons.

Skills:

KS: Turanian Style
WF: Common Melee Weapons*
WF: Off Hand

+1 Use Art with Clubs
+1 Use Art with Axes, Maces, and Picks
+1 Use Art with Blades
+1 Use Art in Armor

Use art with Two Handed Weapons Group; Two Handed Weapon Element is Free.

Optional Rules: The strike and bash maneuvers take a 3d6 location roll. The overbearing strike takes a 2d6+1 location roll. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Twin Talons

This is another art spread by the priesthood of Orion. It is a primarily weapon based martial art practiced throughout the Aborian populated regions of the world. A student of twin talons initially trains with paired clubs. After learning the associated intricate striking techniques on which the style is founded, the student moves on to the use of daggers, swords, and the empty hand.

This art is based on the real life art of Escrima. Escrima is more a stick fighting art and less an unarmed and sword-fighting art than Twin Talons.

Skills:

Acrobatics
Ambidexterity*
KS: Twin Talons
KS: Aborian Theology
WF: Off-hand*

+1 Use art with clubs*
+1 Use art barehanded
+1 Use art with karate weapons

Used with blades weapon group; blades weapon element is free.

Optional Rules: The slashing strike maneuver takes a 3d6 location roll. The quick strike and counterstrike maneuvers take a 2d6+1 location roll. The joint strike may take arm or leg as a location, but receives no penalties for this. All remaining maneuvers do not take a location roll.
 

Veiled Fist

This fighting art has been slowly developed in Lerendia. After the Oligarchs seized power there, they decided to draw down the size of the standing army, and train a militia, but leave them unarmed except in times of need. Strict laws restricting ownership of weapons were passed to limit possibility of an uprising.

With the aid of Bloodseekers, resistance elements interested in putting the monarchy back in power and throwing off the shackles of the Oligarchs trained in secret in the use of mundane objects that could be used as weapons - staves, grain flails, clubs, churn handles, and other farming tools that could be used as weapons.

This art is both stylistically and historically based on that of kobojutsu, the Okinawan weapons martial art.