The game that I’m using for Day 22 of the 2026 #Character Creation Challenge is one that I backed on KickStarter. Because of how far behind I’ve been, I haven’t had a chance to write a blog post about it. So this will count as both. The game is called Dwarven Assault Mining And Neutralization Interception Team (D.A.M.N.I.T.) and is a sci-fi game about Dwarves in space. The characters are a part of a trouble team sent to clear dangers out of various space mining locations or fighting pirates. When I read the description it sounded like fun, and they weren’t asking for too much on pledges. There have been a few KickStarter campaigns where the game sounded interesting, but I didn’t want to spend to much for a game that I may only play once or twice.
The physical copy of the game I received has 34 pages, but the PDF extras added several pages more. One of the extra rewards was a 5th Edition version of the game if I elected to play it. For the challenge I’m using the creation rules for the original game. The book has an ISBN number of 2-370021-779178 and was written by Mike Lafferty and Chuck Rice. There is a ton of color art in this book by Jacob Blackmon, Jon Gibbons, Dean Spencer, Kristin Nokes and Rick Hershey.
This is a rules-light system for quick play between players and DM (Dwarf Master). There is a target number and the player rolls a d20 to see if they meet or exceed the TN. The advantage/disadvantage rule is in play within this system. From the looks of things, this is one of those games that I’d pick as my odd-ball one-shot to run at SaltCON. I’ve got a few to set up for the next several conventions since they run three of them a year.
There is a one-page character sheet. The character creation steps are provided in a separate PDF when you pick up the game from DriveThruRPG. There are seven steps in total to get a character ready for the table.
Step one is to pick a class from one of these options. Scout, Medic/Science Officer, Heavy Weapons/Pilot, Engineer or Dwarven Earth Alchemist (DEA Agent). This last class is a special alchemist that can also cast spells. While this last one sounds interesting, I’m eyeing the Scout since he is an infiltrator. The book states that all characters get 15 HP to start, a specific attack and three fixed skills.
The second step is an optional one if your Dwarf Master allows. Picking a personal skill to make the character different from the others. I randomly picked one from the list since the voices in my head said to do so.
A Perk is a unique ability that the character has. For step three, I’m instructed to pick one from the list that I thought would fit this unnamed character.
Steps four and five both deal with gear. Allocating gear points then buying said gear. 10 gear points is allocated per character. I decided to pick both a ranged and melee weapon (I was surprised that there wasn’t a dagger option).
Picking a name and background is step six. I used the online random dwarf name generator to dub this character: Hezan Copperhood. After his brother went missing on a previous D.A.M.N.I.T. team, he signed up to find out what happened to his kin, and dispense justice if needed.
And finally step seven appears to be another optional one as well. If the Dwarf Master give their OK, then make your own custom skill, perk, gear or spell. I like this idea that gives the player a chance to contribute something. I’m going to go with a family heirloom which turns out has a special function. The Ancestors’ Ring. This alien technology discovered by one of his forefathers on an exploration mission can cause silence for two rounds once per game. Do you think that the Dwarf Master would allow it?
After reprinting the character sheet (see below) I was able to scan it to wrap up this blog post.
Afterthoughts:
When I went to transfer my notes to the character sheet, I realized that I had accidentally printed out the sheet for the D.A.M.N.I.T. 5th edition game. So I quickly printed out the original character sheet if you are wondering why it looks different from the photo at the top.
I hope I did the gear right. I spent all of the equipment points before I realized that I could make my own special item at the end of the process. So I may have too much gear on this guy.
This game looks simple and straight forward. My games for the spring SaltCON are already locked in, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I try to run this for Summer or End-of-Summer SaltCON later in the year. I’m very happy that I backed this Kickstarter.
Additional Notes:
This is my third of four games used in the challenge that I had picked up from KickStarter over the past year. I should go back and count how many KickStarter games I’ve used over all of the years of doing the #Character Creation Challenge.
Coming Up Next:
Swords & Wizardry
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