Chapter 1 - Class - Character Kits - Dwarven Kits
Vermin Slayer
The Vermin Slayer is a highly skilled specialist who enters the tunnel systems of
monsters such as kobolds, goblins, and jermlaines, with the intention of eradicating them.
Vermin Slayers are also adept at negotiating the constricted passages created by giant
rats, centipedes, and other pests and vermin.
They are used to fighting in confined spaces and are experts at hiding in shadows,
where they wait to surprise their prey.
Vermin Slayers are similar to Pest Controllers, but where a Pest Controller uses traps
to catch his prey, Vermin Slayers actively hunt victims with light crossbows and hand
axes or hammers.
A Vermin Slayer must have minimum scores of 14 in Strength and Dexterity.
Role: They belong to their own guild, which sells their services to those who require
them. Many operate as freelancers, selling their skills to humans and other races who are
experiencing problems with "vermin."
Within dwarf societies plagued by pests, Vermin Slayers are highly regarded. Their
willingness to enter narrow tunnels is seen as commendable by other dwarves. In
strongholds where they are not constantly employed, they are often viewed with
suspicion and distaste. Many have been known to turn to illegal activities in order to
support themselves, but their willingness to enter even sewers has proved their worth as recoverers of lost items and has earned them a reputation for being incredibly tough.
Outside of dwarf society, Vermin Slayers are something of an enigma. They do not
readily fit the image other races have of the trades. Most humans are amazed that a skill
as specialized as Vermin Slayers even exists. Even so, they easily find work in human
cities as pest exterminators, and their services have often been called upon to eradicate
bands of raiding kobolds and goblins from their lairs.
Secondary Skills: A Vermin Slayer should have the Hunter secondary skill.
Weapon Proficiencies: Vermin Slayers must be proficient in light crossbow and
hand axe, hammer, or dagger. Many favor the specialist weapons of the close combat
fighter. Generally, Vermin Slayers should choose fast weapons that require little space.
Bonus Nonweapon Proficiencies: Alertness, Endurance, Tracking, Underground
Navigation.
Recommended Nonweapon Proficiencies: Direction Sense, Sign Language,
Underground Survival, Pest Control, Blind-fighting, Intimidation, Set Snares, Swimming.
Equipment: Vermin Slayers may spend their money on any kind of equipment.
Depending on the current job, they have a wide variety of armor options available. If
stealth is required, they should wear no more than leather armor. When seeking to destroy
the opposition, metal armor may be worn, even though this causes their thief skills to be
negated.
Most Vermin Slayers carry at least two light crossbows, allowing them to fire two
shots before having to reload.
A new Vermin Slayer character receives a light crossbow, 10 bolts, and a quiver free
of charge.
Distinctive Appearance: They are distinguished by the bandannas around their
heads, and by their habit of hanging the dried heads or skulls of their vermin victims
about their waists.
Special Benefits: Vermin Slayers receive a +5% bonus to their Find/Remove Traps,
Detect Noise, and Move Silently skills. Because of their special training, Vermin Slayers
receive a +1 bonus to attack and a +2 bonus to damage with one chosen hand weapon,
when fighting small sized creatures. They receive a -1 initiative bonus anytime they are
fighting in a restricted tunnel or passage.
Special Hindrances: Vermin Slayers have a -10% penalty to their Pick Pockets skill
and a -5% penalty to their Read Languages skill.
They are not trained to fight large creatures, so ogres, trolls, ogre magi, giants, and
titans find them easier to attack than other dwarves. Large creatures are only penalized -2
when attacking Vermin Slayers.
Wealth Options: Vermin Slayers receive the standard 5d4x10 gp starting gold, plus
their free light crossbow, 10 bolts, and quiver.
