Core Rules Reference
Core Concepts
- The game focuses on storytelling and character interaction rather than combat
- Tests are made when the outcome is uncertain
- The Narrativium (story) always influences outcomes
- Characters are defined by their traits, not numbers
Traits
Characters are collections of traits that define their abilities and personality:
- Niche: Role in their organization
- Core: Fundamental outlook
- Quirks: Unique characteristics
- Background: History and origins
Luck
Luck represents favour with The Lady, the Disc's God of Luck. All PCs start with 4 Luck (maximum 4 at any time).
Spending Luck — three uses:
- A Helping Hand: Spend 1 Luck to help another character on a test.
- Magic: Any magical test always costs Luck (cost set by GM based on impact).
- Avoid Consequences: Spend 1 Luck to avoid a Consequence from a failed test. The table suggests how the character got lucky.
Regaining Luck: The GM awards Luck for excellent roleplay, unusually clever or ridiculous plans, and other moments that would pique The Lady's interest.
Note: Magical Consequences cannot be avoided with Luck — the spell already cost Luck to cast.
Tests
Tests resolve uncertain actions. Don't ask "can I?" — state what you do and justify it.
- GM sets the scene.
- Player states their action and calls on a Trait to justify why they should be good at it.
- GM considers the action, Trait, and situation to assign an Outcome die.
- Player rolls their Outcome die.
- GM rolls the Narrativium die (d8).
- Other characters may help (see Helping below).
- Higher roll wins: Outcome > Narrativium = success. Narrativium ≥ Outcome = failure + Consequences.
- GM narrates the outcome.
Outcome Die Size
Based on how well the action, Trait, and situation align:
| Alignment | Die |
|---|---|
| All 3 align perfectly (action + Trait + situation) | d12 |
| 2 of 3 align | d10 |
| 1 of 3 aligns | d6 |
| 0 of 3 — completely out of depth | d4 |
Difficult situations may reduce the die by one step. Core Trait moment at the start of a test guarantees d12 for that test.
Helping
- Spend 1 Luck, state how you help, justify with a Trait, and roll.
- Your new Outcome die replaces the previous character's die (even if worse).
- The Narrativium die is NOT re-rolled.
- The helper is also exposed to any Consequences.
- The original player chooses whether to accept the help.
Group Tests
Use group tests in two situations:
- Any success wins: Everyone wants the same outcome; only one needs to succeed (e.g., different characters seeking the same information from different sources).
- Any failure loses: One failure stops the group (e.g., sneaking past guards — everyone must succeed).
Each player still states their action and Trait and rolls individually.
Core Traits
- Each PC can have at most one Core Trait at a time; none at the start.
- Declare a Core moment (a narrative trigger showing your character's essence) and create a Core Trait to reflect it.
- If declared at the start of a test, it grants an automatic d12 for that one test.
- Core Traits are permanent until the end of the story.
- Not every character will claim their Core Trait — it should feel natural, not forced.
Safety Tools
Available tools to ensure everyone's comfort:
- Lines and Veils - Discuss content boundaries before play
- X-Card System - Signal to skip uncomfortable content
- Take breaks when needed
- Open communication about comfort levels
Dice & Test Resolution
When completely out of depth
Unusual action with trait
Narrativium Die (GM only)
Usual action with trait
Perfect alignment of traits
Test Steps
- GM sets the scene
- Player states action and justifies with Traits
- GM assigns Outcome die (d4/d6/d10/d12) based on how well action, Trait & situation align
- Player rolls Outcome die
- GM rolls Narrativium die (d8)
- Others may help (spend 1 Luck, replace Outcome die)
- Higher roll wins — ties go to Narrativium (failure)
- GM narrates; failures bring Consequences
Dice Roller
Select a die type, choose how many to roll, then click Roll. Results appear below. (Clicking the die images above also rolls that die and shows a toast notification.)
Recent Rolls
Inadvisably Applied Magic
The Two Types of Magic
Wizard Magic
Flashy, show-off nonsense. Fireballs, transformations, poke holes in the fabric of reality. Practised at Unseen University. The kind this game focuses on.
"Jommetry, fiddling with the interleaved wossnames of causality."
Witch Magic
Practical, down-to-earth. Headology, making difficult decisions, working at the edges and soft places. Not covered in detail in this book.
"They are the ones who make unpleasant decisions that need to be made, so no one else has to."
Magical Tests — Two Key Differences
1. Magic always costs Luck. The cost is paid before rolling, regardless of success or failure. If you cannot pay the Luck cost, you cannot attempt the spell.
2. Consequences are reversed. Magical Consequences only happen on a SUCCESS. Failure = spell fizzles (safe outcome). Success = spell works, but the bill comes due.
Otherwise, magical tests use the same steps as normal tests: state action, justify with Traits, GM assigns Outcome die, roll vs Narrativium.
Note: Magical Consequences cannot be avoided by spending Luck — the spell already cost Luck to cast. Helpers are also subject to the Consequences.
The Cost of Magic (Luck)
The GM sets the Luck cost based on how much the spell affects the current scene and overall story:
| Impact | Luck Cost | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trivial / no test needed | 0 | Lighting a candle with a snap |
| Minor, local effect | 1–2 | Summoning a tracker imp (example: "d10 and 2 Luck") |
| Significant scene effect | 3–5 | Finding hidden books across UU; locking all doors in a building |
| Major story-altering effect | 6–9 | Teleportation; summoning a significant entity |
| Universe-bending | 10+ | Reversing death; collapsing a building (most players won't pay this) |
"If you flash spells around like there's no tomorrow, there's a good chance there won't be." — Archchancellor Ridcully
Magical Consequences
When magic succeeds, start small and build up. Consequences don't have to be immediate — let them build in the background.
- Small successes: something odd happens nearby (trees sprout sprouts; imp multiplies)
- Medium successes: a Trait is gained from the magical fallout
- Major successes: a Magical Mishap — character is removed from the scene (becomes orangutan, hurled through Dungeon Dimensions, turned into pile of something unpleasant)
- Thlabber always occurs: the moment of everything being stretched then suddenly not being stretched. Completely harmless. Probably.
Like a Near-Death Experience, a Magical Mishap player decides whether and how they return to the story, with a new or changed Trait.
The Limits of Magic
- You cannot permanently change someone's shape.
- You cannot magic a wizard without knowing his name.
- Beyond these two, magic is limited only by what makes the best story.
- Creative use of Consequences and Luck ensures even powerful spells have narrative cost.
Naming Spells
After a successful casting, give the spell a name. Examples from the books:
- Herpetty's Seismic Reorganiser
- Quondum's Attractive Point
- Sumpjumper's Incendiary Surprise
- Weezencake's Unreliable Algorithm
The weirder, the better. The Disc has a thing about naming magic.
Magic Cost Estimator
Organisations
Every party belongs to an Organisation. This becomes a Trait on your character sheet, giving you access to everything associated with that organisation. There are 9 organisations in the Core Rulebook:
The City Watch
Helmet (one size fits none), breastplate, weapon of choice, and a general air of suspicion. Everyone starts on the Night Watch.
Example Niches: Scene-of-crime iconographer · Plainclothes officer · Public relations · Designated noticer · Forensics · Loose siege catapult
Example Goals: Escort a prisoner to Pseudopolis Yard · Find out who killed the Assassins' Guild Social Secretary · Investigate the mystery of the missing mist · Clean up Crime Alley in the Shades
Unseen University
Students and faculty wizards. They much prefer four solid meals a day to actual magic. Young wizards (Ponder's lot) poke around when they shouldn't.
Example Niches: Student wizard · Research assistant · Head of something-or-other · Custodian of the Cabinet of Curiosities
Quirk questions: What nearly caused you to fail? · How did you pass your finals? · What spell always goes wrong? · What are you known for among wizards?
Assassins' Guild — Students
The finest education money can buy. At home in high society anywhere on the Disc, speak multiple languages, play at least one instrument. Those that survive finals join a caring and lucrative profession.
Remember: Assassins don't kill. They inhume, conclude, or annul — always with class, always for money.
Quirk questions: What class do you excel in? · What lesson will you never forget? · How did you secure your place?
Concerned Citizens
Two types: those who point at potholes in newspapers, and those who meet quietly with the right people to ensure things are done. Quietly. Each player rolls their own background separately for this organisation.
Example Niches: Pamphleteer · Committee organiser · Friend-in-high-places · Rabble rouser
Thieves' Guild
Lord Vetinari's solution: organised crime. Proper entrance exams, a career ladder, annual crime quotas. Always carry your licence. Unlicensed thieves are dealt with far less kindly by the Guild than by the Watch.
Example Niches: Breaker and decorator · Lack-of-confidence trickster · Gentle thief · Find the Lady specialist
Example Goals: Return glowing wizard jewels without admitting fault · Track down Five-Fingers Frank · Choose another organisation — steal something from them
Beggars' Guild
One of the oldest guilds on the Disc. Strict hierarchy from Twitcher to Queen/King. As you rise, you must beg for things appropriate to your station — which gets increasingly difficult.
Hierarchy: Twitchers → Droolers → Dribblers → Mumblers → Mutterers → Walk-Along-Shouters → Demanders of a Chip → People Who Call Other People Jimmy → People Who Need Tuppence → People Who Need Eightpence → People With Placards → Handmaiden → Queen/King
Foul Ole Ron is in a category of his own as no one will share it with him.
The Times (Newspaper)
The truth shall make ye fret. Reporters recognisable by their notebook and pencil, found wherever there's a ruckus, asking pointed questions with alarming firmness.
Example Niches: Newspaper sales · Weather speculator · Iconographer · Crime scene reporter · Advice columnist · Sports (just sports)
Example Goals: Get an interview with the Patrician (no appointment) · Cover the Koom Valley march · Find William de Worde, last seen interviewing Chrysoprase
Seamstresses' Guild
People of negotiable affection, hem-hem. The Agony Aunts (Dotsie's handbag and Sadie's umbrella) are not the understanding sort. Notable not-seamstresses prefer the term needlewoman.
Example Niches: Discreet security supplier · Negotiator of affection · Leatherworker · High-end services · Other-end services
Fools' Guild
To be a Fool is to utter "prithee" and "nuncle" with a straight face, and to be laughed at but never for the right reasons. Monastic lifestyle, candle-study of approved jokes. Lofty heights of Tomfool, Stupid Fool, Arch Fool, and Complete Fool await.
Example Niches: Stand-up guy · Pratfalls and tumblery · The Saddest Fool · Child Terrification Specialist · Keeper of Jokes · Honker of Horns
Mimes are extremely wanted everywhere in Ankh-Morpork. Unfortunately, they're wanted by Lord Vetinari.
Character Creation
Character Creation Steps
- Note any Consequences (blank at character creation)
- Set Luck to 4 (this is also the maximum)
- Choose a Name
- Create an Iconograph (picture / description of your character)
- Copy your party's Organisation onto your sheet (this is a Trait)
- Choose a Background (species + upbringing, combined as a single Trait)
- Choose a Niche Trait (your role in the organisation)
- Choose Quirks Traits (unique characteristics)
- Claim a Core Trait (or leave blank — Core moments happen in play)
Tip: Embrace and subvert tropes. The barbarian hero might just want to be a hairdresser. The best Discworld characters surprise you.
Niche Traits
Traits that define a character's role in their organization
Public relations
The face of the group
Use when: Interacting with the public, managing group image, or smoothing over conflicts
Applied Forensics
Scientific investigation skills
Use when: Examining evidence, performing autopsies, or analyzing crime scenes
Loose siege catapult
The law is more of a guideline really
Use when: Bending rules, creative interpretation of laws, or unorthodox solutions
Crimescene Iconographer
Curious enough to make cats nervous
Use when: Documenting evidence, noticing details, or investigating suspicious circumstances
Designated noticer
Looks the spitting image of a Pixy-faced Smut
Use when: Observing surroundings, spotting inconsistencies, or maintaining vigilance
Core Traits
Traits that represent a character's fundamental outlook
People aren't things
Use when: Standing up for others, recognizing humanity in everyone, or resisting prejudice
Better it happen to me than you
Use when: Protecting others, taking risks for teammates, or accepting consequences
A stitch in time saves nine
Use when: Planning ahead, preventing problems, or taking precautions
Do everything with a smile
Use when: Maintaining composure, diffusing tension, or appearing friendly
Doing nothing isn't the same as not doing anything
Use when: Strategic inaction, patient observation, or careful consideration
Quirks
Unique characteristics that make the character memorable
A winning smile and chiselled features
Use when: Social interactions, charming others, or making first impressions
Simple but not stupid
Use when: Direct problem-solving, seeing through complexity, or honest interactions
Happy to call a head wound a head wound
Use when: Medical diagnosis, direct communication, or practical assessment
Two left feet but the heart of a lion
Use when: Showing courage, persevering despite limitations, or facing fears
Blends into the background
Use when: Stealth, observation, or avoiding attention
Virulently infectious personality
Use when: Influencing others, spreading ideas, or building rapport
Too shy to move if they are being looked at
Use when: Staying still, avoiding notice, or patience
Beloved by animals despite their best efforts
Use when: Interacting with animals, gaining unexpected allies, or natural charm
Background
Where the character comes from and their history
A zombie who lived and died on these streets
Use when: Local knowledge, survival skills, or understanding city life and death
An Igorina fresh from Überwald
Use when: Medical knowledge, dealing with the unusual, or understanding traditions
A troll raised by loving human parents
Use when: Cross-cultural understanding, breaking stereotypes, or unique perspectives
A dwarf born and raised in the Shades
Use when: Street smarts, urban survival, or dealing with the criminal element
Gargoyle
Use when: Observation from heights, architectural knowledge, or patient watching
Species Notes
Humans
Adaptable and numerous. From History Monks to the "will stab ya in the gut for a copper" variety of the Shades, and everything in between.
Dwarfs
Dutiful, serious, literal-minded (metaphors go right over their heads). Never without chainmail and an axe. Dwarf bread is a weapon of first resort and food of last. Extra pronouns in Ankh-Morpork.
Trolls
Silicon-based brains. Think slower in heat, think faster in cold — peak intelligence just above freezing. Dimwitted in warm weather, surprisingly brilliant when cold. Named for rock types (Detritus, Chrysoprase, Bluejohn, Ruby, Flint…).
Zombies
Undead with unfinished business. Often become zombies through sheer stubbornness — too determined to die. Remarkable preservation. Can gain zombie status mid-campaign through Near-Death Experience.
Werewolves
Shapeshifters with enhanced senses and monthly complications. Can smell lies. Struggle with dual nature.
Vampires
Reformed bloodsuckers with various traditional weaknesses. Many wear the Black Ribbon (sobriety pledge). Otto Chriek disintegrates in his own camera flashes.
Igors / Igorinas
Skilled surgeons with a unique approach to body parts — all sourced, kept fresh, frequently replaced. Appear exactly when needed. Traditional lisp.
Gargoyles
Urban trolls common to Ankh-Morpork. Mouths permanently stuck open (water filtering). Cannot make consonants. Need a contrivance to speak normally, or your whole session involves filling in missing consonants.
Combat & Conflict
No Special Combat Rules
In Discworld Adventures, there are no special rules for combat. While violence and conflict are commonplace in Ankh-Morpork, combat is never the point of the story. All conflicts are resolved using the standard test system.
Handling Conflict
When conflict arises, consider these approaches:
- Use traits creatively to avoid or resolve conflicts
- Focus on character interactions and motivations
- Consider the narrative consequences of violence
- Remember that the Watch prefers arrests to fights
Combat as Tests
If combat does occur, handle it like any other test:
- Declare the action (e.g., "I try to disarm them")
- Justify using traits (e.g., "I'm using my 'Loose siege catapult' trait")
- GM assigns appropriate die based on the justification
- Roll against the Narrativium die
- Success or failure determines the outcome
Example Conflict Actions
Intimidation
Using presence or reputation to avoid violence
Example: A troll flexing their muscles to discourage trouble
Arrest
Proper Watch procedure for handling criminals
Example: "You're nicked!" while showing your badge
Chase
Pursuing or evading through the streets
Example: Parkour across the rooftops of the Shades
Disarm
Removing weapons from the situation
Example: Knocking a sword away with your truncheon
Conflict Consequences
Failed tests in conflicts might result in:
- Physical injuries (bruises, cuts, broken bones)
- Loss of equipment or possessions
- Damage to reputation or relationships
- Unwanted attention from authorities
- Escalation of the situation
No Initiative / Turn Order
There is no initiative system in Adventures in Ankh-Morpork. The GM ensures every player gets to interact with a scene before anyone acts twice. Bounce the spotlight — let each player drive the narrative for a while before switching focus.
Once a character attempts an action, they are busy with it until it logically completes.
Failing Forwards
A failed test closes one path but should never bring the story to a halt. Consequences may change the obstacle, but the players can always try a different approach.
- When you close a door, open a window — and signpost it.
- Avoid giving a hard "No" — instead, raise the stakes or redirect.
- Failed tests make the story more interesting; they don't end it.
Consequences
Inconsequential
Small inconveniences that won't significantly impact the character
Paper Cut
Getting a paper cut while handling documents
Overcharged
Being overcharged for a sausage-inna-bun
Kick Me Sign
Has a "kick me" sign stuck on their back
Minor
Inconveniences that will cause some trouble for the character
Twisted Ankle
Difficulty moving quickly or stealthily
Lost Money
Lost money at the races
Rumor Mill
Has a rumor going around about them
Major
Serious problems that affect both the character and those around them
Monkey Business
Called the Librarian a monkey
Guild Trouble
Wanted by the Thieves' Guild
Bad Investment
Lost Chrysoprase's money at the races
Exceptional
Life-threatening or story-ending consequences
Near Death Experience
A brush with Death himself
Patrician's Interest
Wanted by the Patrician
Magical Mishap
Accidentally transported to the Dungeon Dimensions
Consequence Tables
When a consequence is needed, roll a d6 on the appropriate table, or choose narratively:
Mental Consequences (d6)
- On Edge — The situation sends a shiver down your spine. Gain the On edge Trait.
- Banging Headache — Splitting headache, irritable for the rest of the scene. Gain Banging headache Trait.
- Terrible at X — You learn you absolutely cannot do something most take for granted. Gain Terrible at X Trait.
- False Certainty — You become certain of something false (errant clue, misplaced belief). Gain Contradictory philosophy Trait if personal.
- Unconscious — Your body makes an executive decision. Gain Temporarily absent Trait.
- Knurd — You're far too sober for any of this and acutely aware of it. Gain the Knurd Trait.
Physical Consequences (d6)
- Injured — You hurt yourself quite badly. Gain Limping and bloodied Trait.
- Covered in X — Whatever you were doing, it got messy. Gain Covered in X Trait (the River Ankh, dragon innards, etc.).
- Temporary Amnesia — You fall and smash your head. Unconscious briefly; gain Temporary amnesia Trait.
- Break Something — You break something valuable: a precious vase, a friend's arm, a shelf of figurines.
- Success… Badly — You succeed at what you were trying to do, but it very quickly becomes obvious it was a terrible idea.
- Near-Death Experience — Something went damn wrong. You face a Near-Death Experience.
Social Consequences (d6)
- Disliked — The folk you're talking to take a dislike. If recurring, gain Disliked by X Trait.
- In Debt — You find yourself beholden to somebody, literally or morally. Gain Indebted Trait if unresolved.
- Ejected — You are thrown out of the establishment. Possibly with some force.
- Rumoured — An unflattering rumour circulates about you. Gain Subject of gossip Trait.
- Public Embarrassment — Your failure was very public. Gain Laughing stock Trait among relevant group.
- Guild Attention — You've attracted the attention of a Guild. Not necessarily in a good way.
Consequence Roller
Locations in Ankh-Morpork
Major Institutions
Unseen University
Premier institution of magical learning
Notable NPCs: Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully, The Librarian
Description: Ancient towers, magical architecture, enormous library
Features: The Great Hall, Library (with L-Space), High Energy Magic Building
Watch Houses
Headquarters and stations of the City Watch
Notable NPCs: Commander Vimes, Captain Carrot
Description: Pseudopolis Yard (HQ), various district stations
Features: Cells, offices, Igor's medical facility
The Palace
Residence of Lord Vetinari, the Patrician
Notable NPCs: Lord Vetinari, Drumknott
Description: Imposing architecture, maze-like corridors
Features: The Oblong Office, The Rats Chamber, dungeons
Guild Quarter
Assassins' Guild
Educational institution for the discerning assassin
Notable NPCs: Lord Downey
Description: Black buildings, well-maintained grounds
Features: Training facilities, deadly gardens, museum
Thieves' Guild
Official home of licensed theft
Notable NPCs: Mr. Boggis
Description: Surprisingly opulent building
Features: Receipt office, training rooms
Fools' Guild
College of Jocularity and Comedy
Description: Gloomy buildings, no laughing matter
Features: Training halls, pie-throwing ranges
The Shades
The Mended Drum
Infamous tavern known for its regular fights
Description: Traditional pub with reinforced furniture
Features: Bar, fighting area, surprisingly good beer
Ankh-Morpork Beggars' Guild
Professional organization for mendicants
Notable NPCs: Queen Molly
Description: Surprisingly wealthy establishment
Commercial Districts
Maul
Shopping district with covered markets
Features: Various shops, street vendors
Notable Shops: Dibbler's Various Enterprises
Street of Cunning Artificers
Home to various craftspeople and inventors
Features: Workshops, unusual inventions
Description: Constant sounds of tinkering and explosions
Religious Quarter
Temple of Small Gods
Home to numerous minor deities
Description: Multiple shrines and altars
Features: Cemetery, various chapels
Temple of Blind Io
Principal temple of the chief god
Description: Impressive architecture, floating eyes
Features: Main worship hall, thunder room
The Scours (East Bank)
Lady Ramkin's Sunshine Sanctuary for Sick Dragons
Morphic Street, the Scours
Notable NPCs: Rosie Devant-Molei
Description: Quiet morning, respectable houses, faint smell of the Ankh
Features: Large gate, thick walls, papier-mâché dragon donation box
Lamp and Needles
Morphic Street, the Scours
Notable NPCs: Rufus and Marla
Description: A forced cosiness, trinkets on every wall, the scent of musty velvet
Features: Leaning facade, armchairs that threaten to swallow visitors
The Times and the Bucket
Gleam Street, the Scours
Notable NPCs: Sacharissa Cripslock, Otto Chriek, Sergeant Angua
Description: Running machinery, an acrid chemical scent, dwarfs being industrious
Features: Printing presses, dark room, off-duty watchmen
River Ankh
Misbegot Bridge
Connecting the Scours and Dimwell
Description: Sturdy and lined with houses, rickety scaffolding, whimsically arched
Features: Construction site, goods lift, under-bridge walkways
Dimwell (West Bank)
Knobblers and Sons
Wharfinger Street, Dimwell
Notable NPCs: Cripus Knobbler
Description: Neat little shop front with fancy brass lettering
Features: Coal yard, delivery carriage space
Mrs. Ethin's Boarding House
Noontender Way, Dimwell
Notable NPCs: Mrs. Ethin
Description: Uneven cobbles, the smell of smoke, gawping crowds
Features: Room 24b, burning possessions
Stone on Stone
Waxwick Terrace, Dimwell
Notable NPCs: Ms. Erika Lofte, Plotz
Description: Red brick buildings, neat brass plaques, air of respectability
Features: Writing desks, drafting tables
Seven Sleepers District
Dwarf Bread Museum
Repository of dwarfish martial baking
Description: Small but well-fortified building
Features: Battle bread exhibits, traditional weapons-grade baking
Miners' Guild
Headquarters of the mining profession
Description: Sturdy stone building with deep cellars
Features: Underground meeting halls, mineral displays
The Hippo District
Opera House
Home of high culture and frequent accidents
Description: Grand architecture, multiple balconies
Features: Massive stage, notorious chandelier, ghost
Musicians' Guild
Where music is serious business
Description: Sound-proofed building with practice rooms
Features: Performance hall, instrument storage
Unreal Estate
Alchemists' Guild
Frequently rebuilt headquarters of experimental science
Description: Reinforced walls, blast-proof windows
Features: Laboratories, explosion-proof chambers
Isle of Gods
Religious district within the city
Description: Collection of temples and shrines
Features: Various places of worship, sacred gardens
Dolly Sisters
Dolly Sisters Watch House
Local Watch station
Description: Busy neighborhood station
Features: Holding cells, patrol dispatch
Streets of Small Gods
Merchants' Guild
Center of commerce and trade
Description: Wealthy building with secure vaults
Features: Meeting rooms, contract offices
Royal Bank of Ankh-Morpork
Principal financial institution
Notable NPCs: Moist von Lipwig, Mr. Fusspot
Description: Imposing stone building with columns
Features: Vaults, counting houses, chairman's office
The Shambles
Butchers' Guild
Guild of meat professionals
Description: Practical building with cold storage
Features: Processing rooms, meeting halls
New Cobblers
Shoemakers' district
Description: Collection of small workshops
Features: Various shoe shops and repair places
Nap Hill
Post Office
Central postal service building
Notable NPCs: Moist von Lipwig (former)
Description: Grand old building, recently renovated
Features: Sorting rooms, delivery offices, pin collection
Grand Trunk Semaphore Tower
Central clacks tower
Description: Tall tower with semaphore equipment
Features: Signal room, maintenance workshop
Ankh-Morpork NPCs
The Scours (East Bank)
Rosie Devant-Molei
Head Dragon Keeper
Traits:
- Highborn but practical about it
- Noseblind to dragons
- Heart big enough to fall into
- Pronounces the secret H at the start of words
Rufus and Marla
Tavern Owners
Traits:
- Compassionate bickerers
- Hard of hearing and understanding
- Open minded but old fashioned
Emma Hopscotch
Dragon Sanctuary Volunteer
Traits:
- Enthusiastic about everything dragon-related
- Surprisingly fireproof clothing
- Always carries dragon treats
Dimwell (West Bank)
John Johnson
Surveyor with Ill Motives
Traits:
- Wild eyed and desperate
- Well dressed but poorly maintained
- Singed eyebrows
Ms. Erika Lofte
Architect Facilitator
Traits:
- Sharp faced and sharp witted
- Jet black suit and hair
- Points at you when it's your turn to talk
Plotz
Draftgolem
Traits:
- Only communicates through drawing
- 8ft tall and made of reddish clay
- No sense of metaphor
City Leadership
Lord Havelock Vetinari
Patrician of Ankh-Morpork
Traits:
- Supremely intelligent and calculating
- Always knows more than he lets on
- Prefers order to justice
- Can juggle multiple plots simultaneously
Sir Samuel Vimes
Commander of the City Watch, Duke of Ankh
Traits:
- Cynical but fundamentally honest
- Hates the nobility (despite being one)
- Can tell where he is by the feel of cobbles through his boots
- The most stubborn man in Ankh-Morpork
Lady Sybil Ramkin Vimes
Dragon Breeder, Duchess of Ankh
Traits:
- Formidable aristocrat with a heart of gold
- Expert on swamp dragons
- Can make anyone feel like they're being unreasonable
- Unfailingly kind but not to be underestimated
Drumknott
The Patrician's Secretary
Traits:
- Quietly efficient
- Knows everything that happens in the palace
- Can appear and disappear at will
- Maintains perfect filing systems
Watch Officers
Captain Carrot Ironfoundersson
Captain of the Watch
Traits:
- Technically the heir to the throne
- Knows everyone in the city
- Takes everything literally
- Natural charisma that makes people want to follow him
Sergeant Angua von Überwald
Watch Sergeant
Traits:
- Werewolf with excellent tracking abilities
- Struggles with her dual nature
- Highly professional
- Can smell lies
Sergeant Fred Colon
Watch Sergeant
Traits:
- Career watchman
- Expert at avoiding actual work
- Surprisingly insightful at times
- Best friend to Nobby Nobbs
Corporal Nobby Nobbs
Watch Corporal
Traits:
- Carries a certificate proving he's human
- Expert scavenger
- Surprisingly good at undercover work
- Has "borrowed" most of the Watch's evidence
Sergeant Detritus
Watch Sergeant
Traits:
- Troll with a siege crossbow
- Smarter in cold weather
- Takes "by the book" literally
- Excellent at crowd control
Constable Visit-The-Infidel-With-Explanatory-Pamphlets
Watch Constable
Traits:
- Omnian missionary
- Never without pamphlets
- Surprisingly effective policeman
- Partners well with Constable Shoe
Guild Leaders
Lord Downey
Head of Assassins' Guild
Traits:
- Refined and sophisticated
- Expert in poisons
- Never uses the word "kill"
- Maintains high professional standards
Mrs. Rosemary Palm
Head of the Seamstresses' Guild
Traits:
- Politically astute
- Protects her guild members
- Maintains respectability
- Expert negotiator
Queen Molly
Head of Beggars' Guild
Traits:
- Surprisingly wealthy
- Knows everything happening on the streets
- Runs the most organized guild in the city
- Expert in the economics of poverty
Dr. Whiteface
Head of Fools' Guild
Traits:
- Takes comedy very seriously
- Never laughs
- Maintains strict discipline
- Expert in slapstick-based punishment
Unseen University Faculty
Mustrum Ridcully
Archchancellor
Traits:
- Believes exercise and fresh air solve everything
- Loud and direct approach to management
- Surprisingly resistant to magical mishaps
- Keen crossbow enthusiast
The Librarian
University Librarian
Traits:
- Ook
- Transformed into an orangutan by magic
- Protective of books
- Can travel through L-space
The Senior Wrangler
Faculty Member
Traits:
- Competitive about everything
- Particularly about breakfast
- Secret romantic
- Expert at academic politics
Ponder Stibbons
Head of Inadvisably Applied Magic
Traits:
- Actually runs the University
- Enthusiastic about magical research
- Holds most of the important positions
- Tries to explain things scientifically
The Lecturer in Recent Runes
Faculty Member
Traits:
- Expert in ancient languages
- Prefers theoretical to practical magic
- Excellent at committee meetings
- Can sleep with eyes open
The Chair of Indefinite Studies
Faculty Member
Traits:
- Not quite sure what his job entails
- Expert at avoiding work
- Comfortable with uncertainty
- Excellent at academic politics
Dr. Hix
Head of Post-Mortem Communications
Traits:
- Contractually obligated to be mildly evil
- Wears a skull ring
- Very concerned with rules and regulations
- Actually quite reasonable
The Dean
Former Faculty Member
Traits:
- Fond of shouting "Bursar!" and "HOOM!"
- Enjoys large breakfasts
- Surprisingly agile for his size
- Secret rock music enthusiast
The Bursar
University Administrator
Traits:
- Requires regular dried frog pills
- Sees things that aren't there
- Excellent at mathematics when properly medicated
- Believes he can fly (sometimes correctly)
Mrs. Whitlow
Head Housekeeper
Traits:
- Runs the university's domestic staff
- Pronounces all her Ws as Ws
- Can intimidate even senior wizards
- Knows where everything is
Rincewind
Professor of Cruel and Unusual Geography
Traits:
- Expert at running away
- Speaks many languages (mostly to scream for help)
- Surprisingly still alive
- Has seen more of the Disc than anyone else (while fleeing)
Times Staff
William de Worde
Editor-in-Chief
Traits:
- Committed to the truth
- Nobility in self-imposed exile
- Sharp investigative mind
- Values facts over sensationalism
Otto Chriek
Iconographer
Traits:
- Reformed vampire
- Black ribbon wearer
- Passionate about photography
- Disintegrates in his own flashes
Sacharissa Cripslock
Head Reporter, The Times
Traits:
- Writes everything down
- Good looking if considered over several centuries
- Suffers from misplaced gentility
Rocky
Printer's Devil
Traits:
- Street-smart dwarf
- Ink-stained everything
- Knows all the gossip
- Can operate any press
Notable Merchants
Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler
Entrepreneur
Traits:
- Sells questionable sausages-inna-bun
- Always has a new business scheme
- Surprisingly honest about dishonesty
- Can sell anything to anyone once
Harry King
Waste Management Entrepreneur
Traits:
- Self-made businessman
- Knows the value of everything
- Protective of his employees
- Takes recycling very seriously
Mrs. Cake
Medium and Landlady
Traits:
- Precognitive headaches
- Answers questions before they're asked
- Runs a boarding house for the differently alive
- Makes excellent tea
Reet'zkit
Troll Jeweler
Traits:
- Expert in diamond grading
- Can spot a fake at fifty paces
- Surprisingly delicate touch
- Connected to all the best mines
Patel
General Store Owner
Traits:
- Has everything you need
- Shop is bigger on the inside
- Never closes
- Knows everyone's shopping habits
Grabpot Thundergust
Dwarf Weapon Smith
Traits:
- Makes ceremonial weapons that work
- Proud of his craft
- Can tell a person's worth by their blade
- Keeps the good stuff under the counter
Mrs. Marietta Cosmopilite
Landlady and Shopkeeper
Traits:
- Has a saying for every occasion
- Rents rooms to 'interesting' people
- Knows everything about her tenants
- Makes her own medicines
Chalky
Street Vendor
Traits:
- Sells anything that falls off the back of a cart
- Knows where to get anything
- Can disappear at the first sign of Watch
- Everything's genuine (probably)
Claude Maximilian Overton Transpire Dibbler, Jr.
Enterprising Merchant
Traits:
- Trying to live up to the family name
- More ambitious than competent
- Sells slightly better quality sausages
- Has inherited his uncle's business sense
Hobson
Livery Stable Owner
Traits:
- Knows every horse in the city
- Can match mount to rider perfectly
- Takes no nonsense from anyone
- Excellent judge of character
Canting Crew
Foul Ole Ron
Professional Beggar
Traits:
- Has a smell with its own personality
- Millennium hand and shrimp
- Owns a surprisingly intelligent dog
- Member of the Beggars' Guild
Service Industry
Igor
Various Medical Services
Traits:
- Traditional approach to surgery
- Excellent at stitching
- Appears exactly when needed
- Keeps spare parts fresh
Claude
Barber
Traits:
- Knows all the gossip
- Quick with scissors
- Excellent listener
- Discrete when needed
Gimlet
Dwarf Restaurant Owner
Traits:
- Makes the best rat-based dishes in the city
- Proud of his establishment's cleanliness
- Expert with throwing knives
- Knows everyone's usual order
Mrs. Gammage
Washerwoman
Traits:
- Knows everyone's dirty laundry (literally and figuratively)
- Expert at removing bloodstains
- No questions asked policy
- Formidable with a washboard
Modo
UU Gardener
Traits:
- Can grow anything anywhere
- Knows which plants are actually trying to eat you
- Cheerful despite everything
- Expert in magical composting
Wallace Sonky
Rubber Goods Merchant
Traits:
- Innovative entrepreneur
- Discrete business practices
- Expert in customer satisfaction
- Supplier to the Seamstresses' Guild
Shatta
Troll Bartender
Traits:
- Makes the best Molten Sulphur in town
- Can break up fights by joining them
- Remembers every tab
- Excellent at cooling drinks (naturally)
Willikins
Butler to the Ramkin-Vimes Household
Traits:
- Impeccable service standards
- Former street fighter
- Deadly with a rolled newspaper
- Knows everything about everyone
Sham Harga
Restaurant Owner
Traits:
- Specializes in "named meat" dishes
- Creative menu descriptions
- Surprisingly clean kitchen
- Knows which customers not to serve
NPC Generator
Generates a random Discworld-appropriate NPC. Species are weighted toward human, but the Disc is a varied place.
Random Event Generator
Generate a random event for your session. Choose a category or roll across all of them.
Post Office
Stanley Howler
Head of Stamps
Traits:
- Pin collector turned stamp enthusiast
- Takes stamps very seriously
- Surprisingly good at organization
- Protective of his collection
Mr. Groat
Senior Postman
Traits:
- Old-school postal worker
- Peculiar medical theories
- Loyal to the Post Office
- Keeps all his toenail clippings
Mr. Pump
Parole Officer Golem
Traits:
- Cannot be outrun
- Literal-minded about rules
- Made of clay and duty
- Excellent at detecting lies
Miss Iodine "Killer" Maccalariat
Counter Clerk
Traits:
- Terrifying efficiency
- Guardian of proper procedure
- Can reduce anyone to stammering
- Knows all the rules
George Aggy
Postman
Traits:
- Knows every address in the city
- Can dodge any dog
- Expert at deciphering handwriting
- Always carries emergency stamps
Adrian "Mad Al" Turnipseed
Postman and Pin Collector
Traits:
- Former wizard student
- Understands pin theory
- Good with numbers
- Mentors Stanley in pin collecting
Ankh-Morpork Map
Notable Districts
- The Scours (East Bank)
- Dimwell (West Bank)
- The Shades
- Seven Sleepers
- The Hippo
- Unreal Estate
- Dolly Sisters
- Streets of Small Gods
- The Shambles
- Nap Hill
Thud - The Discworld Board Game
Quick Rules
Dwarfs:
- Move any distance in straight lines
- Hurling:
- Form a straight line of dwarfs
- Front dwarf can "hurl" at a troll
- Hurl range = number of dwarfs in line
- Must land exactly on troll to capture
- Score: 1 point per surviving dwarf
Trolls:
- Move one square in any direction
- Capture any adjacent dwarfs after moving
- Can "shove" using multiple trolls
- Score: 4 points per remaining troll
Dwarf Hurling Tip:
Line up your dwarfs to increase hurling range. A line of 3 dwarfs lets the front dwarf hurl up to 3 spaces to capture a troll!
Victory:
Game ends when no more captures are possible or a player has no valid moves.
Current Player: Dwarfs