Sample File Credits

Sample file Credits

For Septiéme Cercle Original Concept: Neko Line Developer and Art Direction: Neko Rules System: Florrent Original Writing: Neko, Thibault Dapremont, Kristoff Valla, Florrent Proofreaders: Fr.-Xavier Cuende, Neko, and Kristoff Valla Cover art: Antonio José Manzanedo Luis Pregenerated characters illustrations: Antonio José Manzanedo Luis Interior Illustrations, Graphics and Maps: Jérôme Huguenin, Antonio José Manzanedo Luis, Florrent, David Lecossu, Nicolas Jamme, Xavier Colette. Original French Layout: Florrent Playtesters: Virginie, Kaura, Gérald, Wawan, Alexandre Brod-Jezequel, Aline Eoghan, Sébastien Babin (Folkens), Freddy Sibileau (Caball), Vincent (Rampa), Chonchon (The hands that feel good), Reikan (Vinz), Alex Saesee (+ or -10%). Also, many thanks to the Heroes of Rennes, Poitiers and Bordeaux.

For Cubicle 7 Line Developer: Andrew Peregrine Creative Director: Dominic McDowall Art Director: Jon Hodgson Edited by: Andrew Peregrine and Andrew Kenrick Graphic Design and Layout by: Paul Bourne TranslatedSample by: Claire Mehegan file and Franck Florentin

Special thanks: Neko and Florrent, as always! Sarah Newton and Morgane Guillemot for the original Yggdrasill system translation Arthur, whose truth is lost to the mists of Avalon, but who brought us Britain’s greatest legends.

To better capture the feel of post-Roman Britain, Keltia uses Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD) in dating instead of Before Common Era (BCE) and Common Era (CE).

Keltia (English Language Edition) © 2015 Cubicle 7 Entertainment Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Cubicle 7 Entertainment Limited, Riverside House, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES, UK. Cubicle 7 Entertainment Limited is a UK Registered Company (Reg. No. 6036414).

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, carved into the side of a mountain, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Permission is given (nay, encouraged!) to print or photocopy the Character Sheet on pages 236-237 and the Character Creation Summary on pages 88-89 (this is really handy for players to have 2 access to when making characters). Keltia

Contents

Introduction 4 The Birth of a Hero 83 Spells 157 What is a Roleplaying Game? 5 Character Creation Summary 88 Spells List 163 Keltia, The Roleplaying Game 5 Owain ap Lludd – Clan Warrior 90 Equipment and Travel 175 Keltia and Historical Accuracy 6 Aedan ap Bleddyn – Cymbrog 92 Equipment 175 Kadvael ap Cadno – Bard 94 Coins and Money in Ynys Prydein 175 Aeron ferch Bleddyn – Mage 96 Weapons 176 Ynys Prydein 12 Dewi Kelyn – Druid 98 Armour 179 The History of Ynys Prydein 14 Map of Britain 100 Shields 182 Ynys Prydein before Rome 14 Archetypes 102 Everyday Objects 183 First Invasions 14 Archetypes and Vocation 102 Adventuring in Ynys Prydein 185 Conquest 15 Characteristics 106 Roman Occupation 16 Primary Characteristics 106 The End of Roman Domination 18 Secondary Characteristics 107 Secrets 188 The Dark Ages 21 Celtic Fury 110 Allies and Adversaries 190 The Island of Beli Mawr 23 Furor Pool 111 Personalities 190 Cymru 24 Calling upon Furor 111 Extras 190 Dyfneint and Kernow 32 Exhausted 111 Beasts and Monsters 195 Yr Hen Ogledd 34 Gifts and Weaknesses 113 Experience and Renown 204 Lloegyrr, the Lost Lands 36 Gifts 113 Experience 204 Daily Life 41 Weaknesses 113 Renown 206 General Organisation 41 Gifts and Weaknesses in Play 114 The Council of Britain 212 Judicial System 43 Skills Sample file118 The Chronicles of Arthur Pendraeg 212 Calendar 46 Skill Levels 118 Introduction 212 Education 47 Skill Tests 118 The Legend Begins 213 Hygiene and Beauty 47 Gaining Skills 119 Staying the Night 217 Food and Drink 49 List of Skills 119 The Council of Britain 219 Leisure Activities 52 Combat 124 Discussions in Secret 227 Towns, Villages and Forts 53 The Rhythm of Combat 125 Conclusion 228 Religion and Deities 58 Combat Round Sequence 126 Appendices 229 Religions 58 Damage 132 Glossary 229 The Gods of Ynys Prydein 70 Critical Successes and Fumbles 132 Brief Pronunciation Guide 230 Using Furor in Combat 134 Some Common Forenames 231 Cavalry 134 Yggdrasill and Keltia 232 The Heroes 74 Combat Feats 137 Inspirations 233 Game System 76 Acquiring Combat Feats 137 Character Sheet 236 Success and Failure 76 Wounds and Healing 146 Rolling Dice 76 Hit Points 146 Tests 77 Care and Natural Healing 153 Index 238 Special Results 82 Magic 156 Heroes of Ynys Prydein 83 The Nature of Magic 156 3 Introduction

A chill wind was blowing through the trees and large two soldiers) hurried towards the warmth of the royal flakes of snow were starting to come down. Night fell residence, which stood well-protected in the middle quickly at this time of the year. The riders pushed their of the fortifications. As they walked, the young man horses faster along the steep trail leading to Dynas could wait no longer to share his excitement with his Emrys keep. The young man pulled his heavy tartan sister. cloak closer and shivered. What message could be so important that it would need delivering in the heart of “I’m very much looking forward to meeting our high winter to where Gwynedd met the lands invaded by the King Ambrosius Aurelianus! It is said that he still Irish? The river they had just forded ran swiftly close shows the dignity of the old Roman nobility, and I have by the fort, seemingly to enjoin him to make haste. “As already seen his grandson in Caerdydd. You know, though I needed this kind of reminder,” he grumbled. the son of Einion ‘Yrth’ ap Cunedda, the Pendraeg of Sample fileGwynedd, who already has a reputation as an excellent “Complaining again, my dear brother?” The melodious cavalryman!” voice of his fellow traveller rose suddenly, as light as the mist that rose around them. The young woman adjusted her travel tunic, which had become a little dishevelled during the trip. “That “So you think that this trek is actually reasonable is so like you, getting all excited about the past. And Aeron, my dear sister?” A mocking burst of laughter if someone is a good horseman, you are too ready to answered him. grant them your trust. Don’t you think the Pendraeg’s son is a bit young to inspire such enthusiasm? Besides, “I think it’s interesting, at the very least. It also enables he is not even the Gwynedd heir…” me to leave the smoky house where I have to spin and weave for hours on end while listening to your The two young people kept squabbling in low voices companions bragging.” while they waited to be announced and introduced in the great hall. A lock of flaming red hair and a fiery stare were visible through the opening of the fur lined hood Aeron wore, “Aeron ferch Bleddyn and Aedan ap Bleddyn from now covered with snowflakes. Her brother laughed Crug Hywel.” loudly when he was interrupted by a “Who goes there?” coming from the top of the keep’s fortification The young man paused with a half-smile to allow his wall, also covered in pure white. younger sister go first, and the two travellers came forward to kneel in front of the hoary old man sitting 4 Once their horses had been settled in a clean stable, on his throne. He stretched his arms with a large the two young travellers (shivering and escorted by friendly smile. Introduction

“Stand up, children! Please take a cup of wine, and What is a come warm up! I will introduce you to my other guests.” Roleplaying Game?

Two people, who were warming their hands by the hearth, stepped forward, lit by the fire that crackled merrily in the huge fireplace. They were a large man A roleplaying game is a group game played around accompanied by a young druid, who spoke first. a table by a number of players (usually between three and six). The object of the game is for all of the “I am honoured to meet you. I am Dewi Kelyn, and players to collaborate in imagining, inventing and this is Kadvael ap Cadno, the beirdd teulu, of the court experiencing a compelling shared story. Much of a of Powys.” role-playing game is set down in only general terms; it’s up to the inspiration, imagination and improvisation The two newcomers silently raised their cups to greet skill of each player to adapt it, and make it something them, slightly disconcerted. Then they turned toward unpredictable and unforgettable. the High King who addressed them all once more. Each game needs a Game Master. This is a special kind “Please, take a seat at my table. Let me explain why I of player who is well-acquainted with the setting and invited you all tonight. The idea was not mine, but I the rules of the game, and who designs adventures (also want you all to be present at the next Council session known as scenarios) for the other players. The Game in March at Caer Lundein. I need young and educated Master (sometimes also called a GM) describes events, people at my side.” locations and characters, and adjudicates the application of the rules: in this area, the GM’s word is law. “Brenin Mawr, I thank you for your invitation, however I am unable to attend the Council. My father would This doesn’t mean that the other players do not have not tolerate it, not without his explicit permission.” active roles to play: they create characters and play their parts, reacting to the events described by the “I think your father will understand this is an honour GM, talking with individuals their characters meet, Aedan ap Bleddyn. Especially as it is I who invitesSample you investigating file mysteries and exploring the world. personally, as well as your delightful sister, to Caer Lundein. That is, if you do not object to travel so far for The players gather round the table and the Game this occasion, my dear.” Master starts to tell the story. The players imagine how their characters react… Aeron’s reaction came immediately. She placed her cup on the table, her eyes bright, and put her hands together so as to beg her brother not to decline. Keltia, “Oh no, of course, of course! We will join you with The Roleplaying Game pleasure!”

Her brother laughed in front of such enthusiasm. “Yes, Brenin Mawr, I believe I have no choice! We will go.” Keltia, the roleplaying game, allows you to play through exciting adventures in a rich and fascinating world; and to become one of the heroes of the Dark Ages in the time of Arthur, when Ynys Prydein was still legendary. Intrigues, quests, magic and mythical creatures are awaiting you.

As heroes in search of adventure, glory and immortality, you will take part in the great battles sung of by the 5 bards. You will travel from the court of kings to the boundaries of the Island of Beli the Great, even enter Arthur Pendraeg, the mists of the Otherworld. Maybe you will witness the end of the time of legends and the arrival in history the Dragon King of the greatest hero of England that will ever be: Arthur “My kingdom has many cavalcades Pendraeg. Parading toward golden plains To the magical sound of a horn You may be a clan warrior, cymbrog, druid, bard or That will reveal every ambush.” mage, a child of Beli Mawr. Myrddin the Elder may guide you to search for the forgotten gods, hidden – Stuart Merrill. 1895 treasures and conspiracies to foil, within the darkest forests, the mists of enchanted isles and haunted cairns. The full title of this game is Keltia, the Chronicles of The bards will sing of your feats for centuries to come. Arthur Pendraeg, but who is Arthur, the famous ‘king’ Arthur? Companions of Pendraeg, children of Ynys Prydein, enter the legend! This character, mythical or not, has inspired a lot of stories and has been used by many political and religious causes that had little to do with his origins. Keltia and Historical He has also been the source of many fantasies. Accuracy We won’t decide who the historical Arthur was, as no one (be they historians, archaeologists or scholars) is 100% sure of that answer. We have discarded what seemed to be the most ludicrous, and retained what Despite its name, Keltia is not exactly a game about seemed the most likely. Celtic civilisation, at least not the people that were fought by Julius Caesar and finally Romanised, willingly Historically speaking, it is generally agreed that this or by force. It is about this civilisation’s last avatar: Sub- character lived during the 5th or 6th century AD. Roman Britain as it is called by archaeologists,Sample the last file In this era, Rome is unable to defend the province stand for the descendants of the warriors who had so of Britannia, so the Romans leave the control of the fiercely resisted the Roman armies. country to the Britons and the existing administration. Keltia never existed. There is no need to argue whether The chiefs of the Briton, Welsh and Cambrian tribes or not the Celts still lived at that time in Great took on the mantle of kings as invaders attacked from Britain, whether the druids persisted, or whether it is all sides. It is in this ‘end of age’ atmosphere that Arthur historically pertinent to use this term. The Celts are is first mentioned. now called Briton, Cambrian and so on. The old druids are lost to the past. As we studied the historical documents from the 5th and 6th centuries, when our game starts, we were In our game, Keltia is the story of a man who fell in confronted by the same problems that historians love with his land, his culture. A man carried by his specialising in this period (the Dark Ages) have dreams in a troubled period. This man is Arthur encountered – there are no writings from this period. Pendraeg, who will become ‘King Arthur’ Pendragon Those that exist were written much later, often based in the myths of old Britain. on oral tradition and sometimes contradictory. When they are complete, they are often unreliable.

So, let us first summarise what we know about this famous and mythical Arthur from written works… 6 Introduction

Looking for Arthur When referring to Arthurian myths, we distinguish between the pre-Galfridian and post-Galfridian Arthur and the Matter of Britain literatures (Galfridus is Geoffrey of Monmouth in Most legends about King Arthur come from the Matter Latin). We will only refer to pre-Galfridian documents of Britain (Matière de Bretagne), which comprises if they have a historical or legendary value. novels from the 12th century French writers, Wace and Chrétien de Troyes. In his Roman de Brut, written Although his works were defended until the 16th to please Henry II Plantagenet and his wife Eleanor of century, today Geoffrey of Monmouth is not Aquitaine (also known in her native France as Aliénor considered a reliable historical source by historians d’Aquitaine or Éléonore de Guyenne), Wace wrote and archaeologists. His interpretation of the Arthurian Brutus as a descendant of Aeneas of Troy, founder myth and his addition of Merlin were probably driven and first king of Britain. Chrétien de Troyes, who by politics, by his patrons (the Dukes of Normandy dedicated his Arthurian works to Marie of France, and the Norman Kings in England) and his unbridled Eleanor’s daughter, invented both Camelot and the imagination. affair between Lancelot and Guinevere. The Matter of Britain is anything but historical. As we go back in time, we discover that Welsh and Scottish legends are actually the first to speak about These works only reflect their authors’ aspirations, Arthur. It is therefore natural to go back to the sources the desire to glorify an idealised chivalric code led by in Wales; or, more precisely Gwynedd, a small kingdom virtues, a model of medieval society, and the will to invaded by Irish pirates. demonstrate that actions contemptuous of Christian rules, such as adultery, can only lead to ruin. In short, these works demonstrate the Christian ideals of Welsh Legends medieval authors. When Welsh legends are mentioned, one thinks of the Mabinogion, the Four Branches of the Mabinogi These novels do not claim to be historical in a way (Pedair Cainc y Mabinogi). Alas, this only dates back that we conceive history; so they can suggest that to the 12th century. They are still of great value for Morgan le Fay was one of Julius Caesar’s children.Sample Welsh legends, file however, and are at least proof that, just These are novels, not biographies. Furthermore, the before Galfridian writings, Arthur was already known historical works that they draw inspiration from are as a Welsh king or warrior in Sub-Roman Britain. He also unreliable. Most games portraying the Arthurian also appears in two additional stories (Culhwch and period and King Arthur’s court are based on these Olwen, Rhonabwy’s Dream) that are not part of the works. Four Branches, but are part of the five Welsh tales that were added in Lady Charlotte Guest’s compilation. We have not used any of the characters from the medieval novels, unless they have a historical basis, or a Welsh or Gaelic legendary basis. Pre-Galfridian ‘Historical’ Sources: Gildas, Bede and Nennius As in the case of the Northmen found in Yggdrasill, Geoffrey of Monmouth and the it was Christian monks who recorded history, and of Creation of the Myth course they provide their own opinions and defend Most French novels from the Arthurian cycle, and Christian values. They sometimes have an ulterior later, the compilation of French and English novels, La motive, such as the moral condemnation of a king, Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory, are loosely inspired or excusing the actions of another; we cannot expect by the works of Geoffrey of Monmouth. An English historic objectivity from them. In their defence, it is Bishop, Monmouth’s Historian regnum Brittanie was necessary to understand that history as we know it, the used as the basis for the Matter of Britain. Monmouth objective study of past facts, did not exist at their time. claimed that it was a translation of a very ancient book, It was perfectly acceptable to them to warp or interpret but he never referenced its title. facts according to one’s opinion. 7 What is interesting is that there is no mention of Why would an elegy about the Gododdin praise a Arthur in these documents. There is absolutely foreign warrior, if he wasn’t one of the Gododdin? no character with this name in any of the period’s There are several known individuals named Artúr documents. Yet, a Briton cleric named Gildas wrote during throughout the 6th century, however they are the very interesting De Excido et Conquestu Britanniae mostly Irish and thus Dal Riada (enemies). It seems (On the Ruin and Conquest of Britain), which, though improbable to find references to secular enemies in not a historic treatise, was a sermon condemning the this kind of elegy, but Arthur is compared to the best kings and military leaders of his time. It abundantly warriors, in a war against the Saxons. Of course, it is mentions ‘Ambrosius,’ defender of Roman tradition impossible to deduce from this alone that the legendary and Christendom. This is a very important document, King Arthur is a historical character. Here again, the because it was contemporary to the presumed King text could have been modified in the 11th century and Arthur. However it does not mention him. Not a word. its authenticity cannot be verified. Historians have deduced that it was a proof that Arthur was not a historical figure. Other Potential Arthurs Similarly, Bede (Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum) makes no mention of him either. However, a 9th Arthur, a Roman soldier century revision of Bede’s texts were a form of Lucius Artorius Castus, a Roman soldier, has been ‘apologia’ designed to excuse the actions of the Saxons, mentioned as an inspiration for Arthur’s character. He the ancestors of Kind Alfred (who was in power at that was a Praefectus Castrorum, stationed at Eboracum, time). It has also been noted that important facts were located in Ebrauc in Keltia (now known as York). ignored and others deliberately warped. However, there is no proof of this. He never commanded Finally there is Nennius, an 8th century Welsh cleric any legion, had no link with the battles that Arthur was whose mere existence has been questioned. He supposed to have taken part in, and he lived during the supposedly wrote a Historia Brittonum, but only copies 2nd century at the time of the Roman occupation (and that had been revised many times have survived, and therefore is too early for our purposes). He ended up there are countless contradictions in theSample text. However, fileas the governor of Liburnia on the Adriatic coast. He Arthur is mentioned twice there: once in the section has no common connection with the pre-Galfridian about the battle of Mount Badon and once in the battle writings. of Camlann.

Riothamus, the ‘Highest King’ Y Goddodin This theory is based on 5th century letters from the The Goddodin were called the Votadini by the Romans. Bishop of Clermont, in which he asked a favour from They were a tribe or clan living south-west of present a King of Britons, as well as the writings of Jordanes in day Scotland, between Hadrian’s and Antonine’s walls. his The Origin and Deeds of the Goths. Riothamus is a The poem Y Gododdin is credited to the bard Aneirin. title meaning ‘great king,’ and there is no indication as It is an elegy to the warriors who died in a desperate to whether this king was an insular Briton or if he was battle against Saxons at Catraeth, a long time after from Armorica. And yet, there indeed was a Riotham, Arthur. King of Domnonea, who lived during the 5th century in Brittany. Did he also have lands in Ynys Prydein? It One of the verses contains a reference to Arthur. is possible. Aneirin praises the valiant actions of a warrior named Gwawrddur: “He fed black crows on the walls of the The problem is, if we suppose that he was Arthur, keep, although he was not Arthur”. So, while Arthur would it be conceivable that a warlord would abandon was not present at this illustrious battle, fearsome his lands (attacked from all sides) with all his troops warriors are compared to him. to go and help a Roman Emperor against the Goths in 8 Burgundy? We can be fairly certain that Arthur was Introduction

a warrior who fought against the 5th and 6th century of Cùchulainn and other myths are not current any Saxon invasions; but unfortunately, there are no details more. Arthur is portrayed as a hero, a king, a human and no established links with recorded 5th century and not as a demigod in the stories. battles such as Mount Badon. Arthur in Keltia Ambrosius Aurelianus This character is often referred to as the victor of the We could have described yet another embodiment of battle of Mount Badon. He was the son of a consul or this warlord as an anachronistic knight, born from maybe the son of the Comes Britanniarum who was legends with political or evangelical goals, donning managing Roman interests in Britain after the year AD 13th century or Renaissance plate mail. This great hero 410. blessed by the gods, surrounded by the best warriors, helped by a great wizard and a legendary sword, would His father was a noble and was certainly a good still dismally fail because his sterile queen cheated on candidate to become the leader of the imperialists, who him with his best friend. This great king would then were nostalgic for the days of the Roman occupation. be murdered by his bastard son, conceived with his own sister. Beside the fact that these stories strongly But he seems too old and probably belongs to the feel like a Christian anathema (in that period, any generation of Arthur’s father, the famous Uther, rather non-Christian king would be at best accused of incest than Arthur himself. He is not the main hero; however by imaginative monks), it is obvious that this picture he will play a central role in Keltia. would clearly be easier to use for us.

Everyone remembers John Boorman’s Excalibur, Arthwy, Artur, Arthur and other candidates which, while a beautiful movie, is not what we wanted Artur mac Aedain, a prince of Dal Riada (and therefore to emulate with Keltia. This Arthur was invented by of Irish origin), fought the Picts. However, he retired to Christian monks set on teaching moral lessons and we a monastery and never reigned. Artur, son of Bicoir are not interested by this washed-out, and somehow Britone, is another 6th century famous Irishman.Sample naïve, picture file of a great warlord. This is not how we see There are of lot of references to Arthurs or Artúrs who Arthur, the warrior and last bearer of the Briton’s hopes. were sons of chiefs among Northern Britain nobility during the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries. The reason could It is clear to us and to a majority of historians that the have been that a stout-hearted warrior related to the legends originated in Wales. It also seems likely that Northern tribes, with this name or assumed name the historical Arthur was linked to Yr Hen Ogledd, (‘Bear’), was a symbol of resistance against Germanic the Old North, since the bard Aneirin (a Gododdin, and Pict invaders and had become legendary during the Votadini of old) remembers him as an exemplary the previous century. warrior, a few decades only after his death. Would he have praised Arthur had he belonged to a foreign, antagonistic clan? A Pure Legend Some think, considering the lack of evidence for his And yet there is an actual relationship, although often existence, that the king was purely a mythological forgotten, between Wales and the Gododdin. figure. He may have been some kind of demigod giving shape to the Welsh people’s hopes against invasions and the collapse that followed the departure of the Cunedda Wledig Romans. This is not an unreasonable assumption; At the beginning of the 5th century, Cunedda ap however, the high number of testimonies (even though Edern, son of Edern ap Padarn (king of the Gododdin) contradictory) about his existence and the details we took ownership of a small part of Wales that had, until have about him, lead us to think that a real man did then, been occupied by the Uí Liatháin (Irish Déisi); form the basis. Besides, this is not the ‘time of legends’ Gwynedd to be. It is unknown whether he did this 9