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 favor with The Lady and can be spent to:
- Help another PC on a failed test
- Reduce consequences by one degree
Note: Only one Luck can be spent per test
Tests
When attempting something uncertain:
- Player declares action and justifies with traits
- GM assigns appropriate die (d4-d12)
- Roll against the Narrativium die (d8)
- Higher roll succeeds
- Equal rolls mean success with consequence
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
- Declare an action
- Justify using traits
- GM determines outcome die
- Roll against Narrativium
- Optional: Get help
- Resolve the test
Character Creation
Character Creation Steps
- Choose your character's species (Human, Dwarf, Troll, Zombie, Werewolf, Vampire, Igor/Igorina, Gargoyle)
- Select one trait from each category (Niche, Core, Quirks, Background)
- Start with 4 Luck points
- Choose a name that fits the character
- Define pronouns and appearance
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, humans can be found in all walks of life
Dwarfs
Traditional, industrious, and increasingly modern in outlook
Trolls
Silicon-based life forms who think better in cold temperatures
Zombies
Undead with unfinished business and remarkable preservation
Werewolves
Shapeshifters with enhanced senses and monthly complications
Vampires
Reformed bloodsuckers with various traditional weaknesses
Igors/Igorinas
Skilled surgeons with a unique approach to body parts
Gargoyles
Patient watchers with an architectural perspective on life
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
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
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
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