Amid the bustling city life, the importance of timekeeping is not overlooked. Clocks grace the streets and public spaces, ensuring that citizens always know what hour it is. For the wealthier inhabitants, personal timepieces are a symbol of status and in turn punctuality. Meanwhile, those with more modest means may carry small binoculars to catch a glimpse of clock towers. Whatever the status
Craft skill
In the world of Haze, characters have the ability to possess manual Skills that reflect their proficiency in creating powerful and useful objects. The Crafts Skills allow characters, given sufficient time, to construct a wide range of items, but also represents their understanding of how things work. This knowledge allows you to interact with and utilize objects that others might not be able to comprehend. It gives you the ability to decipher the purpose and function of ancient artifacts or mysterious devices that you come across during your adventures.
Furthermore, your expertise in Craft allows you to repair damaged or broken items. With a sufficient Craft check, you can restore functionality to damaged equipment, giving you an advantage in the field or potentially uncovering hidden abilities within these objects. This expands the range of possibilities, as your character’s knowledge and skill can unlock the full potential of ancient contraptions and bring them back to life.
When you encounter a situation where both a Machines check and a Craft Skill are applicable, the difficulty of the Craft check should be lower than that of the Machines check.
The difficulty of crafting an object is influenced by the time invested and the availability of appropriate tools and materials. Simpler items may have a starting difficulty of 10, while intricate masterworks of the highest complexity could have a difficulty level as high as 25. Skilled artisans understand that the effort and resources invested in crafting directly impact the quality and intricacy of the final product.
When engaging in crafting, it is important to have the appropriate tools for your chosen Craft. The quality of these tools can vary, ranging from inexpensive to pristine, and they greatly impact the ease and effectiveness of your work. Additionally, having a dedicated workshop provides significant advantages, enabling faster progress on your projects. The difficulty of a Craft check is determined by the nature of the item being created and the desired level of quality.
| Positive and negative modifiers to creating and fixing objects (Crafts) |
| -5 lack of necessary tools |
| -5 lack of necessary time |
| -1 -2 -3 having tools of pure quality |
| +1 +2 +3 having tools of higher quality |
| +5 working in workshop |
| +5 working without a time limit |
Below are detailed descriptions of the crafts available to characters in the world of Haze. While these are the main crafts accessible, the Game Master has the flexibility to introduce additional crafts if the story demands it.
Hex (Science, Magic)
Hex craft is a fusion of science and magic, producing machines that rely on a magical power source, such as a crystal or a spell. The artisans of this craft must possess a deep understanding of magic and arcana to control the flow of magic within these objects. Unlike artifacts, these machines have limited power and need regular recharging if not powered by a core.
Hex craftsmen often collaborate with mages and wizards to harness the magic effectively. Their creations feature intricate glifs resembling runes, secret words of power, and commanding spells. These trade secrets are difficult to learn, requiring extensive practice to master the complex symbols, and knowing them is not equivalent to understanding their creation as the order of engraving is a crucial element.
Hex-crafted objects are often elaborately decorated, not just for aesthetics but also to make replication challenging for other craftsmen, making the process highly time-consuming. Burins made from a rare Verbulit crystal, that comes only from Zatara are necessary to make many glif-engravings. There are more arcane attuned hex artisans who don’t use engravers, but most do.
Artifacts (Magic)
Artifacts are magical objects that create and store magical power for future use. The exact process of regaining their power remains shrouded in mystery, as the creation of an artifact can yield varying results even with the same methods. Channeling magical energy from the environment is a crucial step in their creation, but haste in making artifacts can pose risks to the surrounding area.
Selecting the vessel to hold this power is no ordinary task; it requires rare ingredients collected explicitly for artifact-making purposes. The properties that render materials suitable for crafting artifacts are closely guarded secrets known only to those skilled in their creation. As a result, gathering these materials becomes almost impossible for untrained folk.
The rituals performed during artifact crafting are a unique form of magic, distinct from the magic used by spellcasters. This makes artifact-making a rare and specialized profession among magical practitioners, contributing to the scarcity of artifact artisans in current times. Most of the current Artifact artisans focus on creating simple tools with relatively weak magic or specialize in tuning and modifying existing artifacts.
To tune an artifact, characters need to make a Craft (Artifact) check and compare it to the artifact’s difficulty set by the GM. Failing by a substantial margin might result in the artifact’s destruction, but success ensures it’s effectively attuned to the chosen character.
Relics (Faith)
Relics, though similar in principle to artifacts, are created through a different process undertaken only by the highest-ranking priests in ceremonies shrouded in secrecy. Clergy involved in creation of relics is often isolated from society. The precise conditions for relic-making mirror those of artifact creation, necessitating the use of extraordinary materials. Many speculate that remains of great priests and martyrs are used in creation of the relics.
These sacred ceremonies are customarily conducted on the holiest days dedicated to the Gods represented by the priests, as it is firmly believed that such times of the year can infuse the relic with most divine power. The venues for these ceremonies are kept secret, often linked to ancient sites that were featured prominently in the legends of these Gods. In contrast to artifact creation, relic ceremonies are elaborate affairs that require the involvement of numerous highly skilled priests and meticulous preparations. Additionally, a diverse array of materials is employed as offerings to the Gods, the majority of which are obtained through donations and offerings.
Alchemy (Any)
Alchemy is a revered and time-honored craft focused on the formulation of various mixtures to aid those in need. The processes involved in crafting these elixirs are incredibly diverse, as potions can be concocted through the use of magic, faith, science, or any fusion of the three. Consequently, the world of mixtures boasts a wide array of concoctions, ranging from those infused with divine blessings bestowed by the devotees of Gods to those magically influenced by skilled enchanters.
Beyond the mystical aspects, traditional herbalists safeguard ancient secrets, harnessing the wisdom passed down through generations to forge the most potent potions, some of which might prove too strong for many travelers.The educational method in alchemy follows a similar pattern across various branches, with masters passing down their knowledge and expertise to their successors. These teachings often take place within small workshops, nestled in unassuming dwellings, where only a select few individuals work diligently to hone their craft.
Mechanics (Science)
The art of engineering is a meticulous discipline centered around the crafting of engines, precisely tailored to meet specific conditions and needs. Mastery of this craft necessitates an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of these engines and the crucial factors that govern their functionality. While the fundamental concept of propelling the piston is relatively straightforward, the exact techniques and methodologies for constructing these engines pose challenges even to seasoned craftsmen .
Furthermore, these craftsmen are not only skilled in the art of engineering but also proficient in metallurgy and carpentry, demonstrating their ability to craft necessary components. They are true masters of sciences, recognizing that the generation of rotary power is merely the initial phase; the true challenge lies in efficiently transmitting this power to achieve the desired results. These steam engines are a favored solution for many, despite their need for frequent repairs. Consequently, some craftsmen focus primarily on the creative aspect of building these engines, while others specialize in the pivotal role of repairing and maintaining them.
Carpentry (Science)
Carpentry, at a cursory glance, might seem like a straightforward trade, but its extensive reach and diverse applications warrant a deeper recognition of its importance. In countless structures, regardless of their location, wooden frames form the fundamental support structure, and construction sites rely on wooden machinery for material handling. The roofs and floors often incorporate wooden elements, requiring expert knowledge of joints and connections to ensure structural integrity. Furthermore, carpenters are accomplished artisans tasked with fashioning both intricate decorative motifs and wooden equipment, effectively bridging the divide between artistic expression and the industrial use of wood.
Music (Specified) (Science, Magic)
The craft of music is a captivating one, for those who are drawn to it not only possess the skill to play, but also the ability to fix their musical instruments. The wide array of instruments available and the diverse materials they require compel craftsmen to choose specific categories, as the intricacies of making a trumpet differ significantly from those of creating a violin. Yet, within this craft, there are instruments that transcend the ordinary.
Enter the magical instruments — musical creations that possess a mystique unlike any other. When played, they possess the uncanny ability to alter the magical aura surrounding the performer, creating an experience that is not only heard but deeply felt. Some may even create sensations that enchant all who have any connection to the magical realm. Those who master the magical instruments can truly touch hearts.
Intriguingly, these magical instruments are not audible to non-magical creatures, making such individuals unable to comprehend their ethereal melodies. For users, tapping into the magical essence of these instruments requires a roll for Magic rather than Science, as the power they emanate is interwoven with the arcane forces. Musicians who master the art of crafting and playing magical instruments hold a special place in the world, weaving spells and captivating audiences with their enchanted melodies.
Arts (Specified) (Any)
Arts encompass a vast array of creative expressions that evoke various sensations and emotions. From the well-known arts like painting, sculpture, and theater, to the more mystical and divine arts that touch upon magical phenomena and uplift the spirit, the realm of artistic crafts is diverse and captivating.
When artisans engage in classic art forms such as painting or sculpture, they roll for Science, drawing upon their extensive knowledge, expertise and most importantly sensitivity. For magical crafts that conjure ethereal phenomena and enchanting experiences, artisans tap into their inner magic. They can be physical objects that impact arcane senses or incorporeal energies, comprehensible but untouchable. On the other hand, those who delve into the creation of religious objects and sacred art rely on their Faith, connecting with higher powers to imbue their works with divine grace and meaning. Many say that seeing masterpieces of devoted art lift the spirits and bring folk closer to the Gods. There are few known priests whose sermons can bring similar effects. Some tried to blend all the aspects together but the outcome was often disturbing and uncanny.
The art craft not only represents the skill and talent of the artisan but also determines how well their creations are received. A masterful artist with a high level of proficiency can evoke powerful emotions, leaving audiences spellbound and deeply moved. Whether it’s the beauty of a painting, the form of a sculpture, the captivating phenomenon, or the spiritual significance of a religious artwork, the art encompasses a rich tapestry of expressions that enrich the lives of all who encounter them.
Gunsmith (Science)
Gunsmithing is a relatively modern craft that encompasses the art of creating firearms, including a wide range of projectile-propelling devices. From traditional gunpowder weapons like hand cannons and matchlocks to more exotic and advanced options like airguns and breechloaders, gunsmiths have the expertise to produce these devastating instruments of destruction.
This craft requires a high level of precision and skill, especially for the more complex firearms like whitworth rifles and revolvers. These intricate weapons demand a deep understanding of both science and craftsmanship. Gunsmiths not only possess the knowledge and expertise to repair and maintain guns, but are also adept at creating new firearms.
In a world where caravan protection and self-defense are paramount, guns have become a popular choice for those seeking powerful weaponry. This has led to the proliferation of gunsmith workshops, which are now a common sight even in smaller cities and villages that lie along crossroads.
Blacksmith (Science)
A blacksmith is a highly skilled craftsman with a deep understanding of working with iron and steel. They have the ability to shape these materials into a wide variety of forms, crafting objects as they desire. They are ubiquitous, and their workshops can be found in both urban centers and rural areas. In larger cities, they often collaborate with other artisans on diverse projects, showcasing their versatility in working with metal. In more remote regions, blacksmiths maintain a more traditional function, crafting essential items like nails, horseshoes, and various tools needed by mechanics, lumberjacks, farmers, and other craftsmen. From crafting the sturdy metal armor and formidable weapons wielded by warriors to the essential tools like hoes, chisels and hammers that drive the wheels of everyday life, blacksmith’s services are indispensable.
The craft of the blacksmith is not only practical but also artistic. Many blacksmiths take pride in creating intricate and ornate designs in their metalwork, adding aesthetic value to their creations. The skill of a talented blacksmith is respected and valued. Whether in times of peace or war, blacksmithing remains a cornerstone of civilization, contributing to the progress and prosperity of the world.
Automatons (Science, Magic)
Automatons are remarkable machines designed to carry out simple tasks, with those who craft them being known as automators and animators. There is a belief that these creations possess a form of life, as some automatons left unattended for extended periods of time seem to develop a certain kind of consciousness. The people who specialize in building these fascinating machines possess a profound understanding of technical intricacies, allowing them to create precise mechanisms that appear almost impossible to function.
Automators craft mechanical bodies with numerous complex elements of their own invention. Through a combination of science and ingenuity, they construct the forms, laying the groundwork for life to be infused into them. The art of animator requires an in-depth knowledge of the mechanical components of the automatons and a profound understanding of the magical principles involved, as they breathe life into those empty vessels. Unfortunately for every 100 skilled automators there are only a few Animators. It is worth noting that mastering both mechanical and magical aspects of automaton creation is a rare talent, and those who can effectively combine the two are nearly unheard of.
Some automatons may act as household helpers, while others take on roles in factories or workshops. Additionally, automators often take pride in designing and crafting unique automatons with distinctive appearances, showcasing their creativity and artistic flair. Making them, however, takes a considerable amount of time and effort, with some of the more unique designs taking over a year to make. While automators can be found in many cities fixing automatons and Artifex, few animators reside outside Morozia.
Gemology (Science, Magic)
Gemology is an intricate and demanding art that revolves around the study of crystals and gems. Practitioners of this craft must possess not only the ability to identify various gemstones but also a deep understanding of their unique properties and how they interact with one another. As a result, gemology is a highly theoretical field of study that requires considerable expertise and knowledge.
The valuable knowledge and insights gained from gemology are often closely guarded secrets, as they serve as the foundation for many workshops and businesses. Gemologists hold the key to unlocking the full potential of these precious stones, making them essential figures in all societies. In addition to their theoretical expertise, gemologists must also possess practical experience in handling these delicate objects. The processing and working with gems requires a deft touch and a keen eye, as they are often quite fragile and can easily be damaged or even explode if not handled with care.
One of the most enigmatic aspects of gemology lies in the magical properties of crystals. Only a select few workshops and artisans possess the knowledge and skill to imbue these gems with magic, a highly coveted and very lucrative business. These magically charged gems are prized for their various applications, from augmenting spells to empowering machines. From crafting exquisite jewelry, to gems used by hex artisans, the skills of a gemologist are highly sought after and often irreplaceable.
Gunsmiths and repainrs
Gunsmiths are a ubiquitous presence in the cities, with their workshops scattered throughout various districts, ranging from the lowest slums to the bustling markets and even the most esteemed upper-class districts. The quality of the guns one can expect to find depends on where the purchase is made. Basic and straightforward firearms can be readily found in all shops, but more intricate and sophisticated models are a rare sight, even in the more upscale establishments. Additionally, gunpowder, including variants suitable for use in the fog, is readily available in all gunsmith shops.
These skilled artisans are also adept at repairing broken guns, though the complexity of the repair job depends on the nature and extent of the damage. When repairing a firearm, one must perform a Craft (Gunsmith) check, similar to the formula followed for repairs in other crafts. The base difficulty of this check is determined by adding the modifier of the gun in question to 10. For example, a simple hand cannon with a modifier of -4 would have a base difficulty of 6 (10 – 4), while a more intricate air gun with a modifier of +8 would have a base difficulty of 18 (10 + 8).
During this check, the gunsmith adds any modifiers from factors such as time, tools and workshop. If the final result is lower than 5 points below the target difficulty, the weapon may be irreparably damaged.
Gemology
Gems and crystals are as abundant as the trees in a forest so to speak, but their true complexity lies in their intricate interactions and unknown relations between each other. Due to this challenging aspect, those who possess expertise in gemology are highly esteemed members of society. The most prominent professions within this field are the geologist, who identifies and categorizes the gems; the jeweler, skilled in cutting and selling these precious stones; and the infuser, the rarest one responsible for imbuing the gems with magical power. All of them possess the knowledge to assess the power crystals and discern their unique properties.
Power crystals possess three main attributes:
- Volume: This refers to the capacity of the crystal to hold the arcane power. It directly reflects the number of Magic points crystal can store.
- Clarity: Represents the efficiency of each drawing, indicating how many Magic points are wasted during each process. It plays a big role for Channeling checks, but is less important for hex.
- Durability: Refers to the crystal’s chance of breaking while being charged. Skilled infusers who take their time almost never break power crystals.
Although crystals with similar properties may share common features, their appearances can still vary dramatically. Understanding these parameters is crucial to determining their true value, as the use of incorrect crystals could potentially harm the intricate hex machines they power. As a general rule, larger crystals tend to possess greater Volume, while Clarity can be measured by the degree of transparency, and Durability by the smoothness of the crystal’s surfaces. However, exceptions to this rule are not uncommon, and it is often the uniquely shaped and powerful crystals that defy these conventional patterns.
| Examples of crystals | ||
| Small (10) clean (3) unstable (50%) | ||
| Huge (150) unpure (10) durable (20%) | ||
| Average (40) immaculate (0) fragile (100%) |
