General Skills cannot advance beyond d6.
Your character
Elder Scroll hack for Cortex
rules system. Version 0.1
Character Creation
Once your Game Master has selected a starting level,
you can refer to the descriptions below to see how many
points you receive to distribute later in character
creation.
A Novice starts with 40 Attribute Points, 52 Skill Points,
and 0 Trait Points.
A Veteran starts with 46 Attribute Points, 58 Skill Points,
and 4 Trait Points.
An Elite starts with 52 Attribute Points, 64 Skill Points,
and 8 Trait Points.
A player must pick a playable Race for their character.
Each race comes with starting Attribute bonus, a starting
Skill bonus, and a number of special abilities.
These bonuses are added to the character before any
points are spent on Attributes or Skills.
These race packages are already paid for out of the
starting points allocated.
The physical Attributes are: Agility, Strength, and Vitality.
The mental Attributes are: Alertness, Intelligence, and
Willpower.
Buying an Attribute die costs Attribute Points equal to
the die type you want to purchase.
As a Novice, you cant start with any Attributes higher
than d12. However, to reflect their greater experience,
Veterans can start with Attributes that run as high as d12
+ d2, and Elites can go as high as d12 + d4
Also, Attributes cannot start at a level below d4.
Traits come in two types: Assets, which are primarily
positive and which grant you some assistance or an
edge; and Complications, which make life a little harder
most of the time. Complications also provide you with a
key method for earning Plot Points later.
These would be purchased just like your Attributes, but
using Trait Points instead of Attribute Points.
Like Attributes, Traits can be bought in a variety of die
types. A Complication provides you with Trait Points
equal to the die type it is listed as, so a Complication
rated at d8 gives you 8 points to spend on Assets.
Like Attributes and Traits, Skills are rated as die types,
starting with a d2 and progressing upward.
Skills are divided into two types: General Skills and
Specialty Skills.
can purchase General Skills normally from d2d6, but if
he wants to progress beyond that boundary, he has to
pick individual Specialties.
Novices cannot start with any Skills higher than d12, but
because of their experience Veterans can start with Skills
as high as d12 + d2, and Elites can start with Skills at the
d12 + d4 level.
Each character starts the game with 6 Plot Points; at any
one time, they can have up to 12
Characters starting with a Magic skill of d4 or higher may
start with one Novice level spell of their choosing. They
may also start with a novice spell from each Magic
school they have a speciality in.
If a character has an appropriate background, they may
also spend 2 Skill Points to buy a single apprentice level
spell from a school in which they have a speciality in.
Attributes
The six basic stats of the cortex system are used.
Agility covers quickness and physical coordination, both
in terms of balance and hand-eye work. A high Agility
lets you attack first and ask questions later. A low score
means you might not be able to get that arrow out of
your quiver in time to worry about shooting.
Strength represents the physical brawn of your
character, how much muscle he has and how well toned
it is. A high Strength lets you kick down doors, throw a
solid punch, or bench press more than the other guy. A
low Strength might make it difficult to carry luggage.
Vitality measures general toughness and health. A
character with high Vitality will be hard to take down,
and even harder to keep down. He can drink all night,
work all day, and take hits that would put down a lesser
person. If youve got low Vitality, though, you need to
watch yourself near sick people, and probably avoid
highly dangerous work.
Alertness represents your ability to observe, understand,
and intuit what is going on around you. A high Alertness
score lets you hear someone sneaking up on you, detect
the lie in the answer to your question, or notice that
someone might not be exactly what they seem. A low
score could mean that you dont see the assassin in
time, or slip on a patch of ice while out jogging.
Intelligence gives a measure of simple brainpower
your ability to think, reason, and remember. A high
Intelligence makes you bright, inventive, and capable of
1
dealing with complex information. A character with a
low Intelligence score might need to consult a dictionary
on a regular basis, and might have trouble with
dangerous spells.
Willpower represents your determination, how forceful
your personality and will are. If you have a high score in
Willpower you can more easily resist intimidation,
torture, and hardship, convince someone to do what you
want through sheer charisma, and push yourself farther
than most would expect. A low Willpower would make it
easier to take advantage of you, push you around, and
even kill you.
Derived Attributes
The basic cortex derived attributes are used plus one
more, Magicka.
Life Points are a measure of how much damage you can
take before falling unconscious or dying. Whenever you
get fried by magic, get punched, or fall down the stairs,
you accumulate points of Stun (nonlethal or temporary
damage) and Wound (lethal or long-term damage).
When these equal or exceed your Life Points, you
probably go down. You can find your Life Points by
adding up the maximum values of your Vitality and
Willpower dice, along with any modifiers from Traits. For
example, a character with d10 Vitality and d6 Willpower
would have 16 Life Points.
Initiative is a roll that decides who goes first, or whether
or not you can react in time. You make Initiative rolls at
the start of combat or similar time-constrained
situations. When the Game Master asks for an Initiative
roll, he wants you to roll your Agility + Alertness dice and
total the results. Higher is betteryou want to go first as
often as possible! You might also make Initiative rolls to
determine your reaction time. Record your characters
Agility + Alertness dice, along with any modifications
from Traits, as his Initiative.
Endurance keeps you from going down when you should
for example, when you rack up all those points of Stun
and Wounds. Record your Willpower + Vitality dice for
your Endurance, modified by any Traits. Just like
Initiative, when you roll, higher is better!
Resistance is similar to Endurance, but while Endurance
tracks a measure of how determined you are to live,
Resistance is simply your ability to fight off infection and
disease. Record your Vitality + Vitality dice, modified by
any Traits, for your Resistance.
Magicka [New]is a the amount of mystical energy you
can call on. This can be depleted by throwing spells,
taking lightning damage or other forms of magical
attacks.
You can find your Magicka by adding up the maximum
values of your Intelligence and Willpower dice, along
with any modifiers from Traits. For example, a character
with d10 Intelligence and d6 Willpower would have 16
Magicka.
You can regain magicka by taking a short rest or taking a
concentration action.
With a concentration action you roll your Willpower +
Discipline(Concentration). You regain a number of
magicka equal to the roll, up to your maximum magicka
value. You can take no other magic action in the same
turn as your take a concentration action.
Races and Race packages
Altmer
To Imperials, the haughty, tall, golden-skinned peoples of
Summerset Isle are called High Elves. The Ayleids
referred to them as Salache, but they call themselves
Altmer, or the "Cultured People". In the Empire, "High" is
often understood to mean proud or snobbish, and as the
Altmer generally personify these characteristics, the
"lesser races" generally resent them. Altmer confidently
consider themselves, with some justice, to be the most
civilized culture of Tamriel; the common tongue of
Tamriel is based on Altmer speech and writing, and most
of the Empire's arts, crafts, laws, and sciences are
derived from Altmer traditions. However, the Altmer's
smug self-assurance of superiority can be hard to bear.
The Altmer are the most strongly gifted in the arcane
arts of all the races. They are among the longest living
and intelligent races of Tamriel, and they often become
powerful magic users, having centuries in which to
practice their art.
-Attribute base: Intelligence d2
-Skill base: Magic d6, Enchanting d2, alchemy d2
-Abilities: Increase Magicka trait by 6,
Once per day, make a concentration roll at the
end of each of your next three turns as a free action
Argonians
Argonians (or Saxhleel in Jel, their native tongue, a word
that seems to mean "People of the Root") are the
reptilian denizens of Black Marsh. Little is known and
2
less is understood about them. Years of defending their
borders have made the Argonians experts in guerrilla
warfare, and their natural abilities make them equally at
home in water and on land. They have developed natural
immunities to the diseases and poisons that have
doomed many would-be explorers and conquerors of the
region. Their seemingly expressionless faces belie a calm
intelligence, and many Argonians are well-versed in the
magical arts. Others rely on stealth or steel to survive,
and their natural agility makes them adept at either.
They are, in general, a reserved people, slow to trust and
hard to know, yet they are fiercely loyal, and will fight to
the death for those they have named as friends.
While Argonians appear reptilian in nature at first
glance, they also exhibit qualities of fish and amphibians:
they are able to breathe underwater through small gills
behind their ears, and swim using the same method as
that of a tadpole or eel by moving their tail side-to-side
to propel through the water. Argonians possess the most
alien personalities in all of Tamriel from a human or
meric perspective and it is often assumed that Argonians
possess neither personality nor emotions. Of course this
is not true; Argonians simply do not facially express their
emotions as much as man and mer do, though anger is
easily detectable from their bared teeth and narrowed
eyes. Argonians' genders are sometimes referred to as
life-phases, implying they may be able to change gender.
However, this is unconfirmed, and Argonian hatchlings
may be of either gender. Argonian appearance ranges
from reptilian to almost human; this is decided by the
amount of Hist sap they ingest as hatchlings, which
ceremonially takes place on their Naming Day. Ancient
cave paintings depict figures which appear to be more
tree-like than Argonian.
-Attribute base: Agility d2
-Skill base: Covert d6, Magic d2, Athletics d2
-Abilities: Add d6 when resisting diseases
Can breathe and move without penalty under
water.
Natural spell - Fast healing
Bosmer
The Bosmer are the Elven clan-folk of Valenwood, a
forested province in southwestern Tamriel. In the
Empire, they are often referred to as Wood Elves, but
Bosmer, Boiche, or the Tree-Sap People is what they call
themselves. Bosmer rejected the stiff, formal traditions
of Aldmeri high culture, preferring a more romantic,
simple existence in harmony with the land, its wild
beauty and wild creatures. They are relatively nimble
and quick in body and wit compared to their more
"civilized" Elven cousins, making them well-suited for a
variety of professions, including scouts, thieves, traders
and scholars. The best archers in all of Tamriel, the
Bosmer snatch and fire arrows in one continuous
motion; they are even rumored to have invented the
bow. They have many natural and unique abilities;
notably, they can command simple-minded creatures
and have a nearly chameleon-like ability to hide in
forested areas. As part of their Green Pact, they are
religiously carnivorous and cannibalistic, but do not
harm vegetation of Valenwood (though they are not
averse to using wooden or plant-derived products
created by others).
-Attribute base: Alertness d2
-Skill base: Ranged weapon d4, Covert d4, Alchemy d2
-Abilities: Add d6 when resisting poisons
Add d6 when resisting diseases
Animal Empathy d4
Bretons
Bretons are the human descendants of the Aldmeri-
Nedic Manmer of the Merethic Era and are now the
inhabitants of the province of High Rock. They are united
in culture and language even though they are divided
politically, for High Rock is a factious region. Bretons
make up the peasantry, soldiery, and magical elite of the
feudal kingdoms that compete for power. Many are
capable mages with innate resistance to magicka. They
are known for a proficiency in abstract thinking and
unique customs. Bretons appear, by and large, much like
other pale-skinned humans. They are usually slight of
build and not as muscular as Nords or Redguards. Their
Elvish ancestry is usually only detectable upon a closer
inspection of their eyebrows, ears, or high cheekbones,
though many individual Bretons appear to be more
Nordic or Imperial than anything else. The great diversity
in their appearance is to be expected from their
politically fractured society, though their clothes,
accents, customs and names are fairly uniform.
-Attribute base: Intelligence d2
-Skill base: Magic d6, Alchemy d2, Influence d2
-Abilities: Reduce hostile magic based effects by d4
Once per day for the next three turns, reduce
hostile magic based effects by d6. You gain magicka up to
the same amount that you reduced the effect by.
Dunmer
3

The Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves, or Moriche in the
Ayleid Language, are the ash-skinned, red-eyed, Elven
peoples of the Eastern Empire. "Dark" is commonly
understood as meaning such characteristics as "dark-
skinned", "gloomy", "ill-favored by fate" and so on. The
Dunmer and their national identity, however, embrace
these various connotations with enthusiasm. In the
Empire, "Dark Elf" is the common usage, but among
their Aldmeri brethren they are called "Dunmer". Their
combination of powerful intellects with strong and agile
physiques produce superior warriors and sorcerers. On
the battlefield, Dunmer are noted for their skill with a
balanced integration of the sword, the bow and
destruction magic. In character, they are grim, aloof, and
reserved, as well as distrusting and disdainful of other
races.
Dunmer distrust and are treated distrustfully by other
races. They are often proud, clannish, ruthless, and
cruel, from an outsider's point of view, but greatly value
loyalty and family. Young female Dark Elves are well
known for their promiscuity. Despite their powerful skills
and strengths, the Dunmer's vengeful nature, age-old
conflicts, betrayals, and ill-reputation prevent them from
gaining more influence. Those born in their homeland of
Morrowind before its devastation were known to be
considerably less friendly than those who grew up in the
Imperial tradition.
-Attribute base: Willpower d2
-Skill base: Magic d4, Alchemy d2, Covert d2, Athletics d2
-Abilities: Reduce Fire/heat based effects by d6
Natural spell - Fire cloak
Imperials
Known as Cyrodiils, Cyrodilics or Cyro-Nordics before the
time of Talos, the well-educated and well-spoken
Imperials are the natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan
province of Cyrodiil. Imperials are also known for the
discipline and training of their citizen armies, and their
respect for the rule of law. Though physically less
imposing than the other races, the Imperials have
proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders, and these
traits, along with their remarkable skill and training as
light infantry, have enabled them to subdue all the other
nations and races and erect the monument to peace and
prosperity that comprises the Glorious Empire. Their
hegemony has waxed and waned throughout the eras,
and most historians refer to three distinct Empires, the
ends of which each mark a new epoch in Tamrielic
history.
-Attribute base: Willpower d2
-Skill base: Magic d4, Enchanting d2, Melee d4
-Abilities: Lucky d4
Natural spell - Calm
Khajiit
The Khajiit are a race of feline humanoids hailing from
the province of Elsweyr, well-known for their keen
intelligence and agility. While these traits make them
superb thieves and acrobats, Khajiit are also fearsome
warriors, although seldom gifted with the skill to harness
magical forces. This is not to say that Khajiit do not
possess the ability, merely that strenuous training must
be undertaken to make wielding magic a serious option,
either in passive or aggressive actions.
Physiologically, Khajiit differ greatly from both the varied
races of man and mer, not only in their skeletal structure
(possessing a tail and, in some forms, a digitigrade
stance, i.e. toe walking) and dermal makeup (the "fur"
that covers their bodies) but in their digestion and
metabolism as well. The Khajiit, along with the
Argonians and the Imga, make up the so called 'beast
races' of the Empire, due to their therianthropic
qualities. It is currently unclear whether a successful
union between Khajiit and other races may occur, for no
well-documented cases exist despite rumors. The
divergent appearance and mannerisms of the Khajiit
often lead bigoted members of other races to look down
on them.
-Attribute base: Alertness d2
-Skill base: Covert d4, Ranged weapon d2, Melee d2
Unarmed d2
-Abilities: Natural Weapon -Claw attack d4w
Enhanced Sense d8 - see at night
Nords
The Nords are the children of the sky, a race of tall and
fair-haired humans from Skyrim who are known for their
incredible resistance to cold and magical frost. They are
enthusiastic warriors, and many become renowned
soldiers and mercenaries all over Tamriel. Eager to
augment their martial skills beyond the traditional
4
methods of Skyrim, they excel in all manner of warfare,
and are known as a militant people by their neighbors.
Nords are also natural seamen, and have benefited from
nautical trade since their first migrations from Atmora.
They captain and crew many merchant fleets, and may
be found all along the coasts of Tamriel. For more
information on Nord culture, see the Lore article on
Nords. Nords are the most common race encountered in
Skyrim's cities, and can be encountered in nearly every
aspect - guards, merchants, bandits, hired-thugs, and
Jarls. Stormcloaks encountered are comprised almost
entirely of Nords, with the Nords sharing majority in the
Imperial Legion as both officers and as soldiers.
Attribute base: Vitality d2
-Skill base: Melee d4, Smith d2, Influence d2, Athletics
d2
-Abilities: Reduce Ice/Cold based effects by d6
Natural spell - Fear
Orc
Orcs, also called Orsimer or "Pariah Folk" in ancient
times, are sophisticated, beastlike people of the
Wrothgarian Mountains, Dragontail Mountains, and
Orsinium (literally translated as "Orc-Town"). They are
noted for their unshakable courage in war and their
unflinching endurance of hardships. In the past, Orcs
have been widely feared and hated by the other nations
and races of Tamriel, and were often considered to be
goblin-ken. However, they have slowly won acceptance
in the Empire, in particular for their distinguished service
in the Emperor's Legions. Orc armorers are prized for
their craftsmanship, and Orc warriors in heavy armour
are among the finest front-line troops in the Empire, and
are fearsome when using their berserker rage. Most
Imperial citizens regard the Orc society as rough and
cruel. The Orcs of the Iliac Bay region have developed
their own language, known as Orcish, and have often
had their own kingdom, Orsinium.
-Attribute base: Strength d2, Vitality d2
-Skill base: Melee d4, Enchanting d2, Smith d2, Athletics
d2
-Abilities: Reduce hostile Magic based effects by d2
Once per day, add 3 steps to Strength and
Vitality for your next three turns
Redguards
The most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel, the dark-
skinned, wiry-haired Redguards of Hammerfell seem
born to battle, though their pride and fierce
independence of spirit makes them more suitable as
scouts or skirmishers, or as free-ranging heroes and
adventurers, than as rank-and-file soldiers. In addition to
their cultural affinities for many weapon and armour
styles, Redguards are also physically blessed with hardy
constitutions, resistance to poison, and quickness of
foot. Redguards do not share the same blood as the
other human races, and they have no connection with
the ancestral Nordic homeland of Atmora.
-Attribute base: Strength d2
-Skill base: Melee d4, Magic d2, Ranged weapon d2,
Smith d2
-Abilities: Add d6 when resisting poisons
Can use second wind twice per day instead of
once
Skills & Specializations
Each description lists the General Skills name (along
with a note if it cant be used untrained), sample
Specialties, and several examples of actions with that
skill that would take an Average Difficulty roll to beat.
Animals
This Skill covers the training, care, breeding, or raising of
animals of all kinds. Depending on the campaign, this
Skill may extend to some very strange or bizarre
creatures.
Specialties: Animal Care, Animal Training, Riding,
Veterinary Medicine, Zoology.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Teach
domesticated animals to perform moderately difficult
tricks; herd cattle; ride through a forest during the day;
identify a basilisk lair by the distinctive, lifelike statuary
garden surrounding it.
Artistry
Artistry is the Skill that covers artistic expression with
media, from writing fiction to sculpting marble statues. It
does not cover singing, dancing, or acting, which are all
grouped under Performance, though it does include
composing music and choreographing a dance recital.
Specialties: Appraisal, Cooking, Composition, Forgery,
Painting, Photography, Poetry, Sculpture, Writing.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Cook dinner for
a family and guests; write a polite thank-you note; draw
a fairly accurate pencil sketch of a subject.
Athletics
Working out, staying in shape, and moving out of harms
way usually all involve Athletics. Physical coordination,
5
distance running, and other major activities make
frequent use of this Skill.
Specialties: Climbing, Contortion, Dodge, Juggling,
Jumping, Gymnastics, Riding, Running, Sports (choose
one), Swimming, Weight Lifting.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Run a mile for a
fitness test; play a pick-up game of kickball with some
friends; throw yourself to the ground when being shot at
by armed offenders; climb a tree with handy low
branches; swim across a still, small pond.
Covert
Covert covers both physical and mental expressions of
deception, whether in a criminal sense or as a means of
evading and overcoming obstacles.
Specialties: Camouflage, Disguise, Forgery, Pickpocketing,
Sabotage, Lockpicking, Stealth, Streetwise.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Open the lock
on a suitcase or piece of luggage; pickpocket a drunk;
sneak past a campus safety officer; cut the brake line on
a parked car with no one around.
Craft [include Smithing]
Craft is the application of a trade toward the creation of
something useful. It differs from Artistry in that the
result of a Craft action is something of utility rather than
artistic expression, although there are several occasions
where the two may overlap.
Specialties: Architecture, Brewing, Carpentry, Cooking,
Leatherworking, Metalworking, Pottery, Sewing,
Smithing.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Sew a new pair
of pants; repair the broken leg on a chair; sculpt a crude
bowl out of clay; build a childs tree house.
Discipline [include Concentration]
This Skill is used to resist temptation, torture, and fear
and possibly to scare others in the manner youve been
taught to resist. By yelling or coaxing, you can try to keep
others on a focused path. This is also used to regain
magicka in the middle of battle.
Specialties: Concentration, Interrogation, Intimidation,
Leadership, Morale, Resistance.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Keep the
newbies in line during a briefing; memorize jargon for a
test tomorrow; resist spilling the beans when confronted
with the good cop/bad cop routine.
Enchanting [NEW] (Skilled Use Only)
Enchanting is the ability to add magical effects to items
such as weapons, armour and clothes. The more
powerful the enchanter, the stronger the magic they can
bind to the weapons and armour.
Specialties: Fire Enchanter, Frost Enchanter, Storm
Enchanter, Insightful Enchanter, Corpus Enchanter
Influence
Influence lets you win friends, lie to enemies, and
persuade potential allies to join your cause. This can be
especially important in a political situation, where the
right words can escalate or diffuse a problem in
moments. This Skill also helps when your opponent has
all the guns, or when you need to deal with social
bureaucracy.
Specialties: Administration, Barter, Bureaucracy,
Conversation, Interrogation, Intimidation, Leadership,
Persuasion, Politics, Seduction.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Deal with daily
paperwork; negotiate an exchange of goods with a
willing merchant; seduce someone who already finds
you attractive; mingle well at a fancy party.
Knowledge
This Skill covers a wide base of general knowledge. It is
almost entirely academic in nature, which means that
while you may know the theory behind many other
Skills, you cant simply default to this Skill when actually
attempting something practical. Depending on the
campaign setting, Knowledge may be broken out into
other, narrower Skills, such as Law, Occult, Folklore,
Politics, and so forth. Many settings dont concern
themselves with the finer details, however, so a Specialty
will usually suffice.
Specialties: Appraisal, Culture, Folklore, History, Law,
Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Sports.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Remember the
names of all the players on a champion football team;
name the major exports of the U.S. and Great Britain;
and figure out where an ancient manuscript comes from.
Magic [NEW] (Skilled Use Only)
The five other magic skills (Alteration, Conjuration,
Destruction, Illusion, and Restoration) correspond to the
five schools of magic in Skyrim. Every spell belongs to
one of these schools. Specifically, each of the five
schools of magic governs a set of Magical Effects, which
determines the spells that belong to that school. For
example, Restore Health is a Restoration effect, and
therefore all healing spells are part of the Restoration
school.
Specialties: Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction,
Illusion, Restoration
When you add a magic school speciality to your magic
skill you automatically gain the apprentice level perk of
that magic school.
Medicine (Skilled Use Only)[Including alchemy]
You have the training required to patch people back
together or treat disease. You might not be a doctor,
officially, but youre quite capable of stepping in to help
others. With a d6 level in this Skill, you are most likely
known as a local physician, while further Specialties
allow for specialist practitioners.
6
Specialties: Alchemy, First Aid, Surgery, Veterinary
Medicine. An Average Difficulty task might include:
Diagnose a cold or disease properly; prescribe the
correct dosage of common medicines; administer first
aid for a common poison.
Melee Weapons
This Skill provides basic proficiency with knives, clubs,
swords, and anything else you can swing, poke, or
bludgeon with in a fight. Specialists are known for their
martial talents, and can impress or intimidate their foes
before they even land the first blow.
Specialties: Maces, Intimidation, Knives, Pole Arms,
Repair, Shields, Swords, Axes, Whips, 2-handed.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Twirl a knife
impressively; deflect a slow thrust; make a simple club;
sharpen a blade. Note that deflecting an attack is an
opposed rollhowever, a slow attack might be about a
7, especially in a training exercise where it isnt really be
an attack at all.
Perception
This Skill lets you notice someone sneaking around, find
a hidden clue, or spot the tell when your opponent is
bluffing. Its especially important in investigative or
action-oriented campaign settings. If you have a
professional rating in this Skill, your senses have been
honed to a significant level, although Specialties reflect
that even the most astute individual must focus his
talents somewhere.
Specialties: Deduction, Empathy, Gambling, Hearing,
Intuition, Investigation, Read Lips, Search, Sight,
Smell/Taste, Tactics, Tracking.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Gather basic
forensic evidence; spot movement in light undergrowth;
determine that the three men in grey suits and shades
standing by the door are a potential threat.
Performance
Dancing, singing, acting, playing an instrument, and
other forms of physical expression are covered by this
Skill. Its also what you use to tell a convincing lie, which
can go a long way toward getting you out of a tight spot.
Performance does not cover the composition or planning
of performances, which is part of Artistry, although there
is some degree of overlap (Improvisation, for instance, is
all Performance.)
Specialties: Acting, Dancing, Costuming, Impersonation,
Instrument (pick one), Oratory, Singing, Sleight of Hand,
Stage Magic.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Act in amateur
productions; play lead guitar in a local band; mask
surface emotions; place among the finalists in a minor
dance competition.
Ranged Weapons
This Skill covers the use of hurled or physically propelled
weapons such as throwing axes, slings, spears, and
bows. It does not include guns, which have their own
Skill. In some campaign settings, this Skill may be divided
into Archery (for bows, crossbows, and slings) and
Thrown Weapons (for spears, axes, knives, and darts).
Specialties: Blowguns, Bolos, Bows, Crossbows, Darts,
Javelin, Repair, Slings, Throwing Knives.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Hit a man sized,
stationary target across the room; replace a bow string;
locate a good-sized throwing rock in the field.
Unarmed Combat
Whether you know a number of fancy moves or just slog
ahead until the other guy throws in the towel, this Skill
reflects training in physical combat. If youre in the sort
of game setting that has characters with claws, teeth,
and other natural weapons, this also covers those Traits.
Specialties represent different styles of combat. Theyre
used the same way most of the time, but your Game
Master may wish to differentiate between different
martial styles, and whether the attack uses Strength or
Agility as the appropriate Attribute. This Skill doesnt
cover the use of hand held weapons such as swords or
clubs; for these, use Melee Weapons. Unarmed combat
always does Stun damage unless you have the Brawler
Trait, although you can use a called shot to a vital area to
change it to Basic
Specialties: Boxing, Brawling, Clawing, Wrestling.
An Average Difficulty task might include: Identify a
specific style of martial arts; secure prize money in a
small-time contest that is not played out in detail; break
a board with your hand.
Traits/Perks and Flaws
This includes a number of elder scroll specific perks as
well as standard cortex perks.
The first section focuses on the Elder Scrolls specific
perks.
Apprentice [Magic school] 0pts
Prerequisite: Magic skill speciality [Magic school]
This perk allows you to cast Apprentice level spells of the
particular magic school chosen at half cost (rounded up)
When you add a magic school speciality to your magic
skill you automatically gain the apprentice level perk of
that magic school.
Adept [Magic school] (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice [Magic school]
This perk allows you to cast Adept level spells of the
particular magic school chosen at half cost (rounded up)
Expert [Magic school] (d2)
Prerequisite: Adept [Magic school]
This perk allows you to cast Expert level spells of the
particular magic school chosen at half cost (rounded up)
Master [Magic school] (d2)
Prerequisite: Expert [Magic school]
7
This perk allows you to cast Master level spells of the
particular magic school chosen at half cost (rounded up)
Magic Resistance (d2, d4, d6)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Alteration
Reduce hostile magic based effects by the trait dice
Atronach (d4,d6)
Prerequisite: Expert Alteration
Reduce hostile magic based effects by the trait dice.
You gain magicka up to the same amount that you
reduced the effect by.
Stability (d2)
Prerequisite: Adept Alteration
All Alteration spells with a duration, last for 2 turns
longer.
Mage Armour (d2, d6)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Alteration
If not wearing armour, Alteration Armour spells are
twice as strong (three times with the d6 perk)
Conjuration Dual Casting (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Conjuration
You may spend 3 times the Magicka cost of a conjuration
spell to have the spell last for twice as long.
You must have both hands free to cast the spell in this
way.
Mystic Binding (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Conjuration
Bound weapons have their damage step increased by
one.
Soul Stealer (d2)
Prerequisite: Mystic Binding
Creatures hit with your bound weapons are also under
the effects of Soul Trap spell. For creatures with magic
resistance, treat the power of the soul trap spell as the
damage received by the bound weapon.
Oblivion Binding (d2)
Prerequisite: Soul Stealer
Creatures hit with your bound weapons are also under
the effects of Banish or Turn Undead spell. Treat the
power of the spell as the damage received by the bound
weapon.
Necromancy (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Conjuration
All undead you summon last for 2 turns longer.
Dark Souls (d2)
Prerequisite; Necromancy
All undead you summon add 50% to their life points.
Summoner (d2, d4)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Conjuration
Can summon atronachs, or raise undead twice as far
away with the (d2) perk. Three times as far away with
the (d4) perk.
Atromancy (d2)
Prerequisite: Summoner
Double duration for conjured Atronachs.
Elemental Potency (d2)
Prerequisite: Atromancy
Conjured Atronachs increase all their attributes by two
steps.
Twin Souls (d2)
Prerequisite: Elemental Potency or Dark Souls
You can have two atronachs or reanimated zombies.
Rune Master (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Destruction
Can place runes five times farther away.
Augmented [Flames, Frost ,or Shock] (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Destruction
Add +1dice damage step per level of [Flame, Frost, or
Shock] spell, up to the base damage of the spell.
i.e. +D2 Novice, +D4 Apprentice, +D6 Adept, +D8 Expert,
+D10 Master
Intense Flames (d2)
Prerequisite: Augmented Flames and Adept Destruction
Creatures that take fire damage from your spells, must
pass make a Fright check (Willpower + Willpower) if their
life points have been reduce to half or lower. The
difficulty of the check is equal to twice the damage they
have taken from the spell. Targets that fail the check are
stricken with terror and must move away at full speed
from you or suffer a 2 Attribute step to all their actions.
Deep Freeze (d2)
Prerequisite: Augmented Frost and Adept Destruction
Creatures that take frost damage from your spells, must
pass make an Endurance check (Willpower + Vitality) if
their life points have been reduce to half or lower. The
difficulty of the check is equal to twice the damage they
have taken from the spell. Targets that fail the check are
frozen in place and skip their next two turns.
Disintegrate (d2)
Prerequisite: Augmented Shock and Expert Destruction
Creatures that take shock damage from your spells, must
pass make an Endurance check (Willpower + Vitality) if
their life points have been reduce to half or lower. The
difficulty of the check is equal to twice the damage they
have taken from the spell. Targets that fail the check are
8
turned to ash, along with all of their non magical
equipment, and instantly killed.
Destruction Dual Casting (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Destruction
You may spend 3 times the Magicka cost of a destruction
spell for the spell do twice its rated damage.
You must have both hands free to cast the spell in this
way.
Impact (d2)
Prerequisite: Destruction Dual Casting
If the damage taken ( after magic resistance), from your
ranged, dual cast destruction spells, is greater than the
targets max Strength attribute, the target is knocked
back 2 meters.
Animage (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Illusion
Animals only roll Willpower (instead of Willpower +
Willpower) when resisting you illusion spells.
Kindred Mage (d2)
Prerequisite: Animage
People only roll Willpower (instead of Willpower +
Willpower) when resisting you illusion spells.
Quiet Casting (d2)
Prerequisite: Kindred Mage
All spells you cast from any school of magic are silent to
others.
Hypnotic Gaze (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Illusion
Calm spells now add a d6 to their power. Cumulative
with Kindred Mage and Animage.
Aspect of Terror (d2)
Prerequisite: Hypnotic Gaze
Fear spells now add a d6 to their power. Cumulative with
Kindred Mage and Animage.
Rage (d2)
Prerequisite: Aspect of Terror
Frenzy spells now add a d6 to their power. Cumulative
with Kindred Mage and Animage.
Master of the Mind (d2)
Prerequisite: Quiet Casting or Rage
Illusion spells work on undead, daedra and automatons.
Illusion Dual Casting (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Illusion
You may spend 3 times the Magicka cost of a illusion
spell to double the value of your spell roll. Adjustments
from Hypnotic Gaze or Aspect of Terror or Rage are
applied before the doubling effect. You must have both
hands free to cast the spell in this way.
Recovery (d4,d6)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Restoration
Add the trait dice when making a concentration check to
recover magicka.
Avoid Death (d2)
Prerequisite: Recovery and Expert Restoration
Once a day, heals 10 points automatically if you fall
below 2 life points. Heals wounds first then stun.
Regeneration (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Restoration
Healing spells cure 50% more.
Necromage (d2)
Prerequisite: Regeneration
Spells from all schools are more effective against
undead. (+25% effect and +50% effect duration)
Respite (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Restoration
Healing spells also restore an equal amount of stun
damage.
Restoration Dual Casting (d2)
Prerequisite: Apprentice Restoration
You may spend 3 times the Magicka cost of a restoration
spell for the spell do twice its rated effect.
You must have both hands free to cast the spell in this
way.
Ward Absorb (d2)
Prerequisite: Adept Restoration
If your ward is not overcome when hit with a spell, you
gain the magicka cost it took to cast the spell.
Extra Effect (d4)
Prerequisite: an enchanter speciality at D12 or higher
You can put two enchantments on the same item.
Soul Squeezer (d2)
Prerequisite: none
Soul gems you use provide 50% more magicka (rounded
up) for recharging magical items.
Soul Siphon (d2)
Prerequisite: Soul Squeezer
This trait is added to any weapon you enchant. Death
blows to creatures, but not people, trap 10% (rounded
up) of the victim's soul, recharging the weapon.
9
Critical Shot [Weapon Speciality] (d2-d8)
Prerequisite: [Weapon Speciality]
Extraordinary hits with this weapon type do an extra
dice of wounds equal to the trait.
Eagle Eye (d2)
Prerequisite: [Ranged Weapon Speciality]
Treat the range penalties as one better with this
weapon.
Long become medium, medium becomes short. Short
range stays as short range.
Ranger (d2)
Prerequisite: Eagle Eye
May ready, reload, or attack with a range weapon as part
of a running action.
Power Shot (d2)
Prerequisite: Eagle Eye
If the damage taken (before armour reduction), from
your ranged weapon, is greater than the targets max
Strength attribute, the target is knocked back 2 meters.
Quick Shot (d2)
Prerequisite: Power Shot
Ready or reload actions with ranged weapons are free
actions.
Steady Hand (d2)
Prerequisite: Eagle Eye
Reduce called shot penalties by 4.
Bulls-eye (d4)
Prerequisite: [Ranged weapon speciality] at D12 or higher
Creatures that take damage from your [Ranged weapon
speciality], must pass make an Endurance check
(Willpower + Vitality) if their life points have been
reduce to half or lower. The difficulty of the check is
equal to twice the damage they have taken (after
armour reduction) from the attack. Targets that fail the
check are pinned in place and skip their next turn.
Deflect Arrows (d2)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon - Shield Speciality
May make a Melee weapon - Shields skill rolls to block
against a ranged weapon attack instead of using the
shields cover bonus.
Elemental Protection (d2)
Prerequisite: Deflect Arrows
Blocking with a shield reduces incoming fire, frost, and
shock damage by 50%.
Block Runner (d2)
Prerequisite: Elemental Protection
Character may block as part of a run action, and may
gain cover from a shield while moving at a sprint.
Power Bash (d2)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon - Shield Speciality
You may attack with your shield. Your skill roll to attack
includes your shields block bonus. Your shield does basic
damage. You make a shield attack without this perk but
you only attack with basic melee weapon skill, you do
not include the shield block bonus, and you only do stun
damage.
Deadly Bash (d2)
Prerequisite: Power Bash
Damage from a shield attack is doubled (before armour
reduction).
Disarming Bash (d2)
Prerequisite: Deadly Bash
An extraordinary success with a shield attack disarms
your opponent.
Shield Charge (d2)
Prerequisite: Disarming Bash or Block Runner
You may make a free shield attack as part of a run action.
If the damage taken (before armour reduction), from
your shield attack is greater than the targets max
Strength attribute, the target is knocked down.
Quick Reflexes (d2)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon - Shield Speciality
If an opponents attack roll is greater than your blocking
roll you may choose to re-roll. If you do you must take
the second result.
Fists of Steel (d2)
Prerequisite: none
You know how to use every spike and edge of your
armour to inflict maximum damage. When making an
unarmed attack while wearing heavy armour, add the
armours rating to the damage you do.
Cushioned (d2)
Prerequisite: Fists of Steel
Half damage from falling if wearing a full set of Heavy
Armour.
Conditioning (d2)
Prerequisite: Cushioned
Heavy armour weighs nothing and doesn't slow you
down when worn. Ignore skill penalties from heavy
armour.
Well Fitted (d2)
Prerequisite: none
Add 1W to the rating of your armour if wearing a full set
of Heavy Armour.
Tower of Strength (d2)
10
Prerequisite: Well Fitted
Add your armour rating as dice steps to resist knockback,
if wearing a full set of Heavy Armour.
Reflect Blows (d4)
Prerequisite: Tower of Strength
If an opponents melee attack exceeds your defence and
hits you by an amount equal to or less that your armour
rating, the opponent takes your armour rating as basic
damage.
You must be wearing a full set of heavy armour.
Bone Breaker (d2-d8)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon [Mace/Hammer] Speciality
Attacks with a mace/hammer ignore 1W of armour
rating for every dice step of this trait.
Dual Flurry (d2)
Prerequisite: Two-Handed Fighting (standard perk)
When using your Two-Handed Fighting weapon group
you may make a free off hand attack as part of your
primary weapon attack.
Dual Savagery (d2)
Prerequisite: Dual Flurry
If you make a single attack on a target with dual
weapons and get an extraordinary success you do 50%
more damage (rounded up) before armour reduction.
Critical Charge (d4)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon [Speciality]
You may make a free melee attack as part of a run
action. Add your trait dice to the attack roll. If you get an
extraordinary success on the attack the weapons
damage is doubled.
Savage Strike (d4)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon [Speciality]
You may take a point of stun damage to add the trait
dice to your damage roll.
Creatures that take damage from this attack, must make
an Endurance check (Willpower + Vitality) if their life
points have been reduce to half or lower. The difficulty
of the check is equal to the damage they have taken
from the attack (after armour reduction). Targets that fail
the check are decapitated, and instantly killed.
Decapitated creatures can not be raised.
Paralysing Strike (d4)
Prerequisite: Melee weapon - [Speciality at D12 or higher]
After making a successful called shot to a vital area, the
target must make an Endurance check (Willpower +
Vitality). The difficulty of the check is equal to twice the
damage they have taken from the attack (after armour
reduction). Targets that fail the check are paralysed.
Hack and Slash (d2-d8)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon [Axe] Speciality
Attacks with axes which garner an extraordinary success
cause an additional trait dice of bleeding stun damage
on the target at the start of each of their turns, until
healed.
Sweep (d4)
Prerequisite: Melee Weapon [2H Weapon] and
Critical Charge or Savage Strike
When making an attack with a two-handed weapon, you
may take a point of stun damage to attack all targets in
melee contact you. You make one attack roll and apply it
to all opponents within reach of your weapon. Any
damage rolls are also made once and applied to all
targets hit.
Custom Fit (d2)
Prerequisite: none
Add 1W to the rating of your armour if wearing a full set
of Light Armour.
Unhindered (d2)
Prerequisite: Custom Fit
Light armour weighs nothing and doesn't slow you down
when worn. Ignore skill penalties from light armour.
Wind Walker (d2)
Prerequisite: Unhindered
When wearing a full set of light armour, roll both Vitality
and Willpower when making a second wind roll to
recover stun.
Deft Movement (d4)
Prerequisite: Wind Walker
If an opponents melee attack exceeds your defence and
hits you by an amount less that your armour rating, the
attack counts as a miss.
You must be wearing a full set of light armour.
Quick Hands (d2)
Prerequisite: Covert - Lockpick Speciality
You slyly cover your actions when picking locks.
Observers must succeed on a formidable (15) perception
check to notice you are opening a lock.
Treasure Hunter (d2)
Prerequisite: Quick Hands or Night Thief
You may roll perception check twice and take the better
result if it involves looking for items of value.
Unbreakable (d4)
Prerequisite: Quick Hands
You are treat botch lock pick rolls as simple failures and
do not suffer any adverse effects.
Night Thief (d2)
Prerequisite: Covert Pick Pocket Speciality
11
You automatically succeed when picking the pocket of
target that is asleep.
Backstab (d2)
Prerequisite: Covert - Sneak Speciality
Sneak attacks with one-handed weapons ignore armour
rating of target. An extraordinary attack success doubles
the weapon damage.
Deadly Aim (d2)
Prerequisite: Backstab
Sneak attacks with ranged weapons ignore armour rating
of target. An extraordinary attack success doubles the
weapon damage.
Assassin's Blade (d4)
Prerequisite: Backstab
Sneak attacks with daggers add two dice steps to the
weapons damage, and all damage is in wounds.
Creatures that take damage from this attack, must make
an Endurance check (Willpower + Vitality) if their life
points have been reduce to half or lower. The difficulty
of the check is equal to twice the damage they have
taken from the attack. Targets that fail the check are
instantly killed.
Light Foot (d4)
Prerequisite: Covert - Sneak Speciality
You automatically avoid ground traps if you walk or
sneak over them. You will also be able to tell when you
have walked over one.
Physician (d2)
Prerequisite: Medicine - Alchemy Speciality
Potions you mix that restore Health, Magicka or Stamina
are 25% more powerful.
Benefactor (d2)
Prerequisite: Physician
Potions you mix with beneficial effects have an
additional 25% greater magnitude.
Poisoner (d2)
Prerequisite: Physician
Poisons you mix are 25% more effective.
Concentrated Poison (d2)
Prerequisite: Poisoner
Poisons applied to weapons last for twice as many hits.
Snake blood (d2)
Prerequisite: Concentrated Poison
Add a d6 when resisting poisons.
See Cortex Traits and Complications.doc for a list of
standard Cortex Traits and Complications.
The magic of Tamriel
The five magic skill specialities (Alteration, Conjuration,
Destruction, Illusion, and Restoration) correspond to the
five schools of magic in Tamriel.
Every spell belongs to one of these schools.
The School of Alteration involves the manipulation of the
physical world and its natural properties. This skill makes
it easier to cast spells like Water breathing, magical
protection, and Paralysis.
The School of Conjuration governs raising the dead or
summoning creations from Oblivion. This skill makes it
easier to cast these spells as well as Soul Trap and
bindings.
The School of Destruction involves the harnessing the
energies of fire, frost and shock. This skill makes it easier
to cast spells like Fireball, Ice Spike, and Lightning Bolt.
The School of Illusion involves manipulating the mind of
the enemy. This skill makes it easier to cast spells like
Fear, Calm, and Invisibility.
The School of Restoration involves control over life
forces. This skill makes it easier to cast spells like
Healing, Turn Undead, and magical Wards.
Spells also come in levels:
Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, and Master
Higher level spells usually cost more magicka to cast, are
harder to cast, are more effective than their lower level
counter parts, and are affected differently by some
traits.
A spell is learnt through the study of spell tomes. When
one of these tomes is obtained, a character may study it
to permanently learn the spell. Learning the spell is a
complex action with a time period of 4 hours. Make a
Intelligence + Magic[Spells school] roll with a threshold
dependant on the level of the spell ; Novice(15),
Apprentice(35), Adept(55), Expert(75), and Master(95).
12

Casting a spell depletes your Magicka attribute.
This can be regained by taking a short rest or taking a
concentration action. With a concentration action you
roll your Willpower + Discipline(Concentration). You
regain a number of magicka equal to the roll, up to your
maximum magicka value. You can take no other magic
action in the same turn as your take a concentration
action.
You need at least one hand free and empty, and be able
to vocalise parts of the spell as well.
Dual cast and Master level spell require both hands to be
free.
Casting a spell is a standard action.
The process for casting a spell is:
- Choose the spell you wish to cast, along with any
valid targets.
- If you have any traits or items that may affect
the spell you may choose to use them as well,
such as dual casting the spell or magicka
reducing items.
- Spend the magicka required for the spell.
- Make a skill check of Intelligence + Magic [spells
school].
This may be a fixed difficult, or an opposed roll
as specified by the spell.
A botched spell roll means that the spell did not go off
for some reason and you take one point of stun for every
level of the spell.
i.e. 1pt for Novice, 2pt Apprentice, 3pt Adept, 4pt
Expert, 5pt Master
Effect 6 points Magic fire damage to
target
Extraordinary successTarget takes 3pts fire at the start
of their next turn.
Description A small ball of fire shoots from the
casters hand
Name: The common name of the spell
School: Which school of magic this spell belongs to and
which magic speciality to roll when casting.
Level: The level of the spell, this represents the difficulty
in learning the spell, and what traits affect the spell.
Base Mana cost: This is the unaltered cost of the spell,
traits and magic items may reduce this. A spells cost is
never less than 1.
Difficulty: This may be a static number or a could be an
opposed test. This may be altered by external sources as
well to give a final difficulty.
Range: This denotes the maximum range of a spell and
the range increment if applicable.
In the example above the spell has a range increment of
15m so any attacks with spell up to 15m are at short
range, the maximum range of medium which is two time
the range increment (30m), if this spell is targeted at
something between 15 and 30m the caster takes a -2
skill step penalty. At ranges past 30m this skill will
dissipate harmlessly.
Point blank for spells is 4m
Effect: What happens with the spell is cast and
successfully affects the target. Any base duration will
also be listed here.
Extraordinary success: If the casting roll is 7 higher than
the final difficulty an extra effect may occur.
Description: Is an example of a visual effect or flavour
text for the spell.

Spells which deal damage have a fixed value which is not

affected by the degree of success of the skill roll. Either Spells for School of Alteration
the spell succeeds and hits the target or it misses.
Once again many traits or items may alter this value.
Candlelight Alteration Novice Level
Some spells have an additional effect on an Base Mana Cost: 3
extraordinary success. This will be noted in their Difficulty: 3
description. Range: Personal
Effect: Illuminates an area of 5m radius around the
(Spell duration. In skyrim this is 60 secs, usually enough caster in bright light for 10 minutes.
time for a battle. A cortex round lasts about 3 secs. Spell Extraordinary success: No effect.
durations then is about 20 rounds. Description: Creates a white light globe hovers above
For every minute that passes in real life, 20 minutes pass the casters head.
in Skyrim.
Split the difference, Durations spells last 10 or 20mins.)

Example and description Oakflesh Alteration Novice Level

Name School Level Base Mana Cost: 12
Firebolt Destruction Apprentice level
Base Mana cost 5 Difficulty: 7
Difficulty ranged attack, (Targets defence) Range: Personal
Range Medium (15m)

13
Effect: Improves the caster's armour rating by 4 points
for 3 minutes.(equal to hide armour set)
Extraordinary success: No effect.
Description: A thin silver sheen coats the casters body.

Magelight Alteration Apprentice Level

Base Mana Cost: 10
Difficulty: ranged attack, (Targets defence)
Range: Medium (15m)
Effect: Illuminates an area of 5m radius in bright light
and an area of 10m in a dim light around the target.
Lasts for 10 minutes.
Extraordinary success: No effect.
Description: Creates a white light globe that sticks where
it strikes.

Spells
Weapons and Armour
Enchanting
Alchemy - gathering ingredients, recipes.
Summoned creatures
Character creation reference for the front.
Starting cash and equipment.
Creature stats include soul value.
Character Sheet
Show perk tree
Add in complication of no regional skills.
Factions and Guilds
The divines
Languages
Regions

14