In combat, the referee decides whether monsters or NPCs surrender or run away. The following system may be utilised.
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Morale Rating
Monsters are rated for morale with a number from 2–12. This represents their courage in battle. Higher morale scores indicate more fearless monsters.
A score of 2: Means the monster will not fight. No morale checks should be made.
A score of 12: Means the monster fights to the death, never checking morale.
Morale Checks
The referee rolls 2d6 and compares the result against the monster’s morale score:
- Higher than morale score: The monster will surrender or attempt to flee.
- Equal to or lower than morale score: The monster will continue to fight.
Two successes: If a monster makes two successful morale checks in an encounter, it will fight until killed, with no further checks necessary.
When to Check Morale
Monsters make morale checks (rolled by the referee) in two circumstances:
First death on side: The first time one of their number is killed in battle.
Side half incapacitated: When half the monsters are incapacitated (slain, paralysed, etc).
Situational Adjustments
The referee may apply morale modifiers from –2 to +2, based on the situation. For example, the side losing a battle might suffer a –1 morale penalty, while the side winning may gain a +1 bonus.
Scores of 2 or 12: Adjustments are never applied to monsters with a morale of 2 or 12.
Mercenary Morale
Mercenaries (see Mercenaries) have a morale rating and check morale in exactly the same way as monsters.
Morale rating: Determined solely by the type of troops, see below. The CHA of the hiring character has no influence.
Modifiers: The referee may penalise mercenaries’ morale in poor conditions (e.g. low wages, abuse, frequent death) or raise it in good conditions (e.g. riches, glory in battle).
| Troop Type | Morale |
|---|---|
| Untrained, militia | 6 |
| Barbarian horde | 7 |
| Trained warriors | 8 |
| Mounted | +1 |
| Elite troops | +1 |
| Fanatics, berserkers | +2 |
Retainer Morale
Retainers signed up to work as adventurers, so are not frightened off at the first sign of danger. Retainers do not make morale checks in combat, but a loyalty check may be required in extreme peril (see Retainers).
