Blackwood: Constant Vigilance

The Winter Kingdom predated the Elder Kingdom, and before them was the Kingdom of Light. Led into destruction by Mad King Ember-Eye, ruins from the Days of Light persist in cities, on the road, and in the Blackwood. Ember-Eye pressed deeper into the Wood than any before or since, the fortifications were known as the "Burn Line". Instrumental to his success were the Stone Lions - unnatural beasts of worked stone, cold iron, and cinnabar.

Always present in pairs, a manifestation of Firmament and Fundament, the female representing the River and the male representing the Heavens. From their bronze collars the males bore an orb representing the world under the watchful gaze of the stars. The females' collars were functionally identical, except their collars had a cub symbolizing the cycle of life. No elfin glamour could fool their eyes and elf flesh cringed at their touch. When the Burn Line served its purpose and was discarded, the Stone Lions wouldn't leave. Tireless and vigilant, they still stand guard over empty buildings and jagged foundations.


STATS - Strength D12 Agility D8 Vigor D8 Smarts D6 Spirit D10
SKILLS - Fighting D10, Intimidation D8, Notice D8
PARRY 7 TOUGHNESS 12 (3) PACE 8 SIZE 2
EDGES - Frenzy, Improved Frenzy

ATTACKS
BITE & CLAW - STR+D6, AP 2
CURSE - When a Stone Lion hits with a Raise, they can forgo the extra damage and lay a curse on an opponent instead. The curse leaves a physical mark on your body.

• MALE - Attention of High Places - All the powers in the world are against you. Gain the Wanted (Major) and Enemy (Minor) Hindrances. 
• FEMALE- End of the Line- Fortune and family are forever out of your reach, your name dies with you. Gain the Poverty (Major) Hindrance and you are infertile.

SPECIAL ABILITIES
ELFBANE - Elves double the wound penalty when damaged by Stone Lions.
HARDY - Additional Shaken results do not result in Wounds.
LIKE A STONE - When the beast is hit, reduce the damage die size of a weapon one  step. (D12>D10>D8>D6>D4>D4-1, etc.)
TRUE SIGHT - Ignore penalties for darkness and dim light. Magic provides no concealment.
MOMENTUM - Stone Lions aren't light on their feet but they are dangerous when they get going. If a Stone Lion is able to move 5" before attacking they add +4 to their damage total.


The 7 Errants are a fellowship of heroic martial artists and wanderers for Eli Kurtz' Blackwood setting - a mash-up of Wuxia action and frontier fairy tales. You can find the book for sale here and a free quick start bundle here.

Special thanks to Michael Barry for notes about the symbolism.