Celtic/Gaelic VENUS Packages

by Angus McBride

 

The following V.E.N.U.S. (Venturers, Experimenters, Navigators, and the Unusually Skilled) packages are based largely on the legends of the Irish Heroic Age (1st through 4th centuries CE) as depicted in the legends of Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill – though they can also be used for Celtic and Gallic characters in a Weird Wars Rome or similar setting (say, perhaps, as the defenders of the last independent Gaulish village). There is some deliberate simplification of certain cultural roles for ease of play (not the least of which is conflating two periods of the era).

 

Bard/Fili

Gaelic bards or filid serve as entertainers and historians for the warrior nobility. Though a branch of the druidic tradition, they are known more as satirists and storytellers than priests. 

• Bonus Skills: +1 die Knowledge (Occult), +2 dice Knowledge (History) & Perform 
• Bonus Edges: Arcane Background (Miracles), Troubadour (see Savage Worlds Fantasy Companion)  
• Bonus Gear: harp  

Brehon/Druid

Though the ancient Gaelic priests conducted their services under the open sky at standing stones and in circles of power, they were not the wilderness defenders depicted in D&D. Rather, they served as lawgivers and oracles for their clans.  

Bonus Skills: +2 dice Knowledge (Law) & Knowledge (Occult), +3 dice Faith   


Bonus Edges: Arcane Background (Miracles)  


Bonus Gear: golden sickle (as dagger)


 

Charioteer 

The cavalry of the ancient Gaels is comprised of light, mobile chariots. A ranking warrior rides inside, throwing spears at the enemy, while a dedicated charioteer guides the horses and helps his master rearm.  

• Bonus Skills: +1 die Fighting, +2 dice Driving and Throwing 
• Bonus Edges: Ace, Beast Bond 
• Bonus Gear: chariot, two spears, two war horses

Warrior (Fianna)

Fianna are small warbands made up of landless men and women; during the winter, they contract with the nobility and keep the peace in their lands, but during the summer, they roam the forests and hunt for food and pelts. Some High Kings have organized a national fianna that served their interests and roamed the whole island.     

• Bonus Skills: +2 dice Fighting, +3 dice Survival & Tracking 
• Bonus Hindrances: Code of Honor [Major], Vow [Minor; serve the leader of the fiann]
• Bonus Edges: Dord Fiann (as Rebel Yell; see Deadlands Reloaded), Woodsman 
• Bonus Gear: long sword, medium shield, two spears

Warrior (household)

Some warriors serve in a lord’s personal warband or bodyguard, training from an early age in lodges dedicated to fostering warriors. These warriors are often the heirs of the nobility, growing in time to rule households of their own (which is when they would earn or inherit the Noble Edge). Their lives are dedicated to training for battle.

• Bonus Skills: +1 die Intimidation OR Taunt, +3 dice Fighting & Throwing
• Bonus Hindrances: Vow [Major; serve your lord]
• Bonus Edges: Block, Combat Reflexes
• Bonus Gear: long sword, medium shield, two spears