Table of Contents
Morale (Optional Rule)
The referee may utilise the following system to determine whether monsters and NPCs surrender or flee in combat.
Morale Rating
Monsters are rated for morale with a number from 2–12. This represents their courage in battle. Higher morale scores indicate more fearless monsters.
A score of 2: Means the monster will not fight. No morale checks should be made.
A score of 12: Means the monster fights to the death, never checking morale.
Situational adjustments: The referee may apply morale modifiers from –2 to +2, based on the situation. For example, the side losing a battle might suffer a –1 morale penalty, while the side winning may gain a +1 bonus. Adjustments do not apply to monsters with morale 2 or 12.
When to Check Morale
Monsters make morale checks (rolled by the referee) in two circumstances:
First death on side: The first time one of their number is killed in battle.
Side half incapacitated: When half the monsters are slain, paralysed, etc.
Morale Checks
The referee rolls 2d6 and compares the result against the monsters’ morale score:
- Higher than morale score: The monsters will surrender or attempt to flee.
- Equal to or lower than morale score: The monsters will continue to fight.
- Two successes: If monsters pass 2 morale checks in an encounter, they fight to the death, with no further checks necessary.
Failed Morale Checks
Monsters that fail a morale check either:
Attempt to flee: If they can do so safely. In melee this requires declaring a fighting withdrawal or retreat next combat round.
Surrender: PCs can decide to accept a surrender or keep fighting. NPCs and intelligent monsters that surrender may offer treasure in return for being spared.
Mercenary Morale
Mercenaries have a morale rating and check morale the same as monsters.
Morale rating: Determined solely by the type of troops, see below. The hiring character’s CHA has no influence.
Modifiers: Mercenaries’ morale may be lower in poor conditions (e.g. low wages, abuse, frequent death) or higher in good conditions (e.g. riches, glory in battle).
Mercenary Morale
| Troop Type | Morale |
|---|---|
| Untrained, militia | 6 |
| Barbarian horde | 7 |
| Trained warriors | 8 |
| Mounted | 1 |
| Elite troops | 1 |
| Fanatics, berserkers | 2 |
Retainer Morale
Retainers signed up to work as adventurers, so are not frightened off at the first sign of danger. Retainers do not make morale checks in combat, but a loyalty check may be required in extreme peril (see Retainers).