Sabledrake Magazine

May, 2003

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GURPS Harry Potter

Copyright © 2002 By Thomas Barnes

Part 5 of 5

Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4  |  Part 5

[Editor's Note:  This article was so long and so well written, that we decided to break it up into five parts.  All five have been completed, and here's the last section.]

Chapter 9 - Important Characters

Characters described in this section play an important part in the books and/or are described in enough detail that they can be given full statistics. Grimoires (lists of spells that a character knows) are deliberately left sketchy. While the characters presumably know lots of spells, only a few are described in the books. GMs can add spells as they see fit. In particular, if a Hogwarts professor or MoM employee “needs” a particular spell he should have it at a useful skill level.

A Note on “Stat Normalization:” The important characters in the books are extremely powerful. In particular, Harry and his friends learn very fast and are very smart for their age. While their skill levels are typically low, their spell skills are very high (even before the Easier Spells option is factored in). This matches their abilities as described in the books to the GURPS Magic system.

I have deliberately ignored GURPS rules for limits on points in skills due to age. It’s a wonky rule to begin with and it’s completely wrong for the genre. For people who can accept the existence of magic but choke on the details of childhood skill acquisition, assume that Hogwarts counts as an Intensive Training program (see the rules for Learning Under Pressure from GURPS Compendium I) and that Harry, Ron and Hermione rack up a lot of character points on top of their normal training because of their adventures.

Harry James Potter (274.5 points)

Messy Dark Brown Hair, Brilliant Green Eyes, Round Horn-Rimmed Glasses often held together with tape. Lightening Bolt Scar on forehead, poorly-concealed by bangs. Thin & short for his age. Age: 11

Attributes: ST: 8 [-15]; DX: 12 [20]; IQ: 11 [10]; HT: 10/9 [0].

Speed: 5.25; Move: 6 (includes +1 for Running); Dodge: 5.

Advantages: 3-D Spatial Sense [10]; Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Ally (Hedwig the Owl, 9-) [5]; Ally (Hermione Granger) [10]; Ally (Ron Weasley) [10]; Body of Fire x 8 (Enhancement: No Obvious Effect. +25%.), (Limitations: Damage Only - No Heat, -25%. Only vs. Evil Wizards, -50%. Painful - Will roll required to maintain contact each turn. -25%) [10]; Charisma (1 level) [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Danger Sense (Limitations: Linked to Migraine disadvantage, -10%. Only to detect danger directly involving Voldemort, -75%) [4]; Destiny [20]; Extreme Luck [30]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Independent Income [5]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Magery 3 [35]; Magic Resistance x 4 (Limitation: Only against Voldemort and his minions. -50%) [4]; Patron (Ministry of Magic, various Faculty of Hogwarts School, 9-, Unusual Powers, +5) [15]; Reputation (As a hero and as a wizard of exceptional talent, Everyone, All the Time, +4) [40]; Speak With Animals (Limitations: Snakes Only, -30%, Involuntary, -50%) [4]; Natural Spell Casting [15]; Strong Will (3 levels) [12]; Unusual Background (Wizard raised by Muggles) [50]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10].

Disadvantages: Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 9-) [-5]; Enemy (Draco Malfoy and Allies, 9-) [-5]; Enemy (Lord Voldemort and Allies, Medium-sized Powerful Group, 6-) [-15]; Migraines (Limitation: Only in the presence of Voldemort and/or his minions. -75%) [-5]; Mundane Background [-10]; Nightmares (About parents’ death.) (Limitation: Only on a roll of 6-, -75%.) [-1]; Reduced Hit Points -1 [-5]; Sense of Duty (Friends, Gryffindor House & Hogwarts School in that order) [-5]; Unnatural Feature (Curse Scar) (Limitation: Can be hidden by hair or makeup. -75%) [-1]; Youth (7 levels) [-14].

Quirks: Modest, not sure what to make of his reputation [-1]; Misses his parents and sensitive about them [-1]; Loves flying [-1]; Dislikes pretentious and/or cruel people [-1]; Prefers to take matters into his own hands [-1].

Skills: Acting-10** [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Surry)-10 [1/2]; Alchemy-10+ [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity)-10 [1/2]; Astronomy-9 [1/2]; Botany (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Climbing-10 [1/2]; Cooking-10 [1/2]; Falconry (Owls)-11 [1]; Fast-Talk-11** [1/2]; Gardening (Magic)-11 [1/2], Herbalism-9 [1/2]; History (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Hobby Skill (Chess)-11 [1/2]; Research-9 [1/2]; Riding (Flying Broomstick)-16* [2]; Running-8 [1/2]; Sport (Quiddich)-15* [1]; Stealth-10 [1/2]; Swimming-8 [1/2], Thaumaturgy-10+ [1/2], Writing-10 [1/2].

Grimoire: Apportation-14+ [1/2], Light-14+ [1/2], Sparks-14+ [1/2], Dye-14+ [1/2], Hair Growth-14+ [1/2], Shrink Clothing-12++ [1/2], Jump-14+ [1/2]. ], Leg-Locker-14+ [1/2], Expel-14+ [1/2].

* Includes +2 for Combat Reflexes and +2 for 3-D Spatial Sense.

** Includes +1 for Charisma.

+ Includes +3 for Magery 3.

++ Includes +3 for Magery 3, but -2 for missing prerequisite.

Equipment

1st Year: Flying Broomstick (Nimbus 2000), Attuned Magic Wand (+2 to spells), Baggy, second-hand clothing worn under wizard’s robes when at school.

2nd Year: Add Invisibility Cloak, Flying Broomstick (Firebolt).

3rd Year: Add Marauder’s Map.

Notes: This represents Harry approximately half-way through his first year, after he and Ron defeated the troll and cemented their friendship with Hermione, but before the climax of the novel. Harry’s Magic Resistance, normally prohibited to mages, is a direct result of Lord Voldemort’s failed curse and only works against Dark Arts spells used against him by Voldemort and his minions. The curse scar is also linked to Harry’s Nightmares and Migraines - when confronted with Voldemort, or when Voldemort uses particularly powerful Dark Magic, Harry suffers from nightmares and/or unease. Afterwards, the curse scar hurts, giving him the effect of Migraines.

Harry develops extremely rapidly, and gains skills faster than would normally allowed due to his age due to his dramatic adventures. If he survives to adulthood, he will easily be a 500 point character.

2nd Year (305 points): Remove the Involuntary limitation from Speak With Animals [+6], Add Contact (School) (Nearly Headless Nick, Skill-12, Reliable) [2], Add Contact (School) (Moaning Myrtle, Skill-9, Reliable) [1]. Remove Mundane Background [+10]. Add Astrology-8 [1/2], Lockpicking-10 [1/2]; Naturalist (Magic)-8 [1/2]; Occultism-8 [1/2]. Increase all skills by ½ point except for Area Knowledge (London, etc.), Cooking, Sport (Quiddich), Riding (Flying Broom) and Running. Add 5 points of spells to grimoire.

3rd Year (323 points): Increase IQ to 12 [+10], Add Patron (Sirius Black, 6-) [5], Contact (School) (Dobby the House-Elf, 6-, Low-Level, Unreliable). [1/2]. Add Secret (Aiding and abetting Sirius Black - a wanted criminal) [-10], Add Animal Handling (Magic)-10 [2], Increase Occultism to 11 [+1.5]; Increase Sport (Quiddich) to 16 [+2], Increase Riding (Flying Broom) to 17 [+2]. Add 5 points to grimoire.

4th Year (371/361 points): Increase ST to 9 [+5]; Increase DX to 13 [+10]. Increase Occultism to 13 [+6], Area Knowledge (Hogwarts) to 14 [+2], Increase all skills except Area Knowledge (London and Surrey), Cooking, Sport (Quiddich), Riding (Flying Broom), Running and Occultism by 1 level [+15 points]. Add 10 points to grimoire. At the end of Book 4, he loses the Body of Fire advantage, reducing his point cost to 361 points.

Ron Weasley (136 points)

Bright Red Hair, freckles, tall for his age, thin and gangly, large hands and feet, long nose. Age: 11.

Attributes: ST: 8 [-15]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 10 [0]; HT: 10/9 [0]. -15

Speed: 5; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Ally (Hermione Granger) [10];]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Independent Income [5]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Luck [15]; Magery 3 [35]; Patron (Harry Potter, 15-) [45]; Patron (Parents and/or Older Brothers, 6-) [5]; Reputation (School) (As Harry Potter’s friend and as a hero in his own right, Large Group, All the Time, +1) [3]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Strong Will (1 level) [4]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50].

Disadvantages: Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 9-) [-5]; Enemy (Draco Malfoy and Allies, 9-) [-5]; Primitive TL6 [-10]; Reduced Hit Points -1 [-5]; Sense of Duty (Friends, Gryffindor House & Hogwarts School in that order) [-5]; Stubborn [-5]; Wealth (Poor) [-10]; Youth (7 levels) [-14].

Quirks: Wants to outdo his brothers [-1]; Loyal to his family and sensitive about their (relative) poverty [-1]; Quiddich fan who wishes that he was a better player [-1]; Proud [-1]; Unfamiliar with the non-magical world [-1].

Skills: Acting-8 [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Magical British Isles)-10 [1]; Alchemy-9+ [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity)-9 [1/2]; Astronomy-8 [1/2]; Botany (Magic)-8 [1/2]; Falconry (Owls)-9 [1/2]; Fast-Talk-9 [1/2]; Gardening (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Herbalism-8 [1/2]; History (Magic)-8 [1/2]; Hobby Skill (Chess)-12 [4]; Hobby Skill (Professional Quiddich)-12 [2]; Lockpicking-8 [1/2]; Research-8 [1/2]; Riding (Flying Broomstick)-11 [4]; Savoir-Faire (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Sport (Quiddich)-11 [4]; Stealth-8 [1/2]; Thaumaturgy-9+ [1/2], Writing-9 [1/2].

Grimoire: Apportation-13+ [1/2], Light-13+ [1/2], Sparks-13+ [1/2], Leg-Locker-13+ [1/2], Expel-13 [1/2].

+ Includes +3 for Magery 3.

Equipment

Second-hand clothing worn under hand-me-down wizards robes when at school, second-hand (non-attuned) wand.

Notes: This represents Ron about mid-way through the first book. His subsequent development is similar to that of Harry Potter, including advantages, skills and spells gained.

Hermione Granger (181 points)

Bushy brown hair, brown eyes, buck teeth, loud voice. Age 11.

Attributes: ST: 8 [-15]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 12 [20]; HT: 10/9 [0].

Speed: 5.25; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 9-) [5]; Common Sense [10]; Eidetic Memory (1st level) [30]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Luck [15]; Fearless x 1 [2]; Harmony With The Tao (Limitation: Mental Skills and spells only. -50%.) [10]; Independent Income [5]; Literacy [0]; Magery 3 [35]; Patron (Harry Potter, 12-) [30]; Reputation (School) (As an excellent student, Large Group, All the Time, +2) [5]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Strong Will (2 levels) [8]; Unusual Background (Muggle-born Wizard) [50].

Disadvantages: Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 9-) [-5]; Enemy (Draco Malfoy and Allies, 9-) [-5]; Incompetence (Divination Spells) [-1]; Mundane Background [-10]; Reduced Hit Points -1 [-5]; Sense of Duty (Friends, Gryffindor House & Hogwarts School in that order) [-5]; Wealth (Struggling) [-10]; Workaholic [-5]; Youth (7 levels) [-14].

Quirks: Driven to excel in her studies [-1]; Proud [-1]; Tries to follow the rules [-1]; Enjoys reading [-1]; Can come off as a prissy know-it-all [-1].

Skills: Acting-12 [1/2]; Area Knowledge (British Isles)-12 [1/2*]; Alchemy-13+ [1/2*]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity)-12 [1/2*]; Astronomy-10 [1/2*]; Botany (Magic)-10 [1/2*]; Enigmas-10 [1/2*]; Fast-Talk-11 [1/2*]; Gardening (Magic)-12 [1/2]; Herbalism-10 [1/2*]; History (Magic)-10 [1/2*]; Psychology-10 [1/2*]; Research-10 [1/2*]; Riding (Flying Broomstick)-9 [1]; Stealth-8 [1/2]; Thaumaturgy-13+ [1/2*], Writing-11 [1/2*].

Grimoire: Apportation-15+ [1/2*], Light-15+ [1/2*], Sparks-15+ [1/2*], Leg-Locker-15+ [1/2*], Expel-15+ [1/2*], Lockmaster-15+ [1/2*]; Colors-15+ [1/2*], Create Fire-15 [1/2*]; Counterspell-15+ [1/2*]; Paralysis-13+** [1/2*].

+ Includes +3 for Magery 3.

* Points are doubled due to Eidetic Memory.

**-2 for missing prerequisite.

Equipment: Ordinary clothing worn under wizards robes when at school, Attuned Wand (+2 to skill).

Notes: This represents Hermione about half-way through the first novel. Her Harmony With the Tao advantage comes from the fact that she reads and studies obsessively and extensively, so she can recall obscure facts, skills and spells as needed. She might also merit the Cool [5] advantage, though this is covered by her levels of Strong Will and Fearlessness.

Hermione develops along the same approximate lines as Harry Potter, but never gets particularly good at Riding (Flying Broom) and she never learns to play Quiddich or Wizard Chess. When playing Chess, she uses her default skill level. Remove the Mundane Background disadvantage after her first year. In her second year, add the Quirk “Crush on Gilderoy Lockhart.” In her third year, she acquires a wizard’s cat, Crookshanks. He might count as an Ally, since he is part Kneazle (see Chapter 3) and has a limited ability to detect foes and treachery. Also in her third year, Hermione acquires half a point in Physics, Anthropology (Muggles), Mathematics and Language (Ancient Runes).

Between her 3rd and 4th year, Hermione develops Beautiful [15] Appearance if she works at it. In her everyday clothes, without make-up or work to keep her hair from getting frizzy, she rates Attractive appearance [5 points].

Given her Eidetic Memory and her personality, Hermione could conceivably have any number of skills or spells at a very high level even early in her career. By her 2nd or 3rd year, her point value (based on spells and skills) begins to rival Harry Potter’s point total. Presumably by the end of the 7th book, she will be the most powerful of the three major characters. The GM should feel free to use her as a Deus Ex Machina and/or spoiler, as he sees fit.

Draco Malfoy (137.5 points)

Silver blond Hair, cold gray eyes, pale complexion, pointed chin, thin build and sneering expression. He has a bored, drawling voice. Age: 11

Attributes: ST: 8 [-15]; DX: 11 [10]; IQ: 11 [10]; HT: 10/9 [0].

Speed: 5.25; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Appearance (Attractive) [5]; Ally (Gregory Goyle) [5]; Ally (Vincent Crabbe) [5]; Luck [15]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Heir [5]; Independent Income [5]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Magery 3 [35]; Patron (Father Lucius Malfoy, Unusual Powers, +5, 9-) [15]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Social Status (Son of powerful, dangerous wizard from an old family) +2 [10]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10].

Disadvantages: Bully [-10]; Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 6-) [-2]; Intolerance (Muggles and Muggle-sympathizers, Poor People) -2 [-10]; Primitive TL6 [-10]; Reduced Hit Points -1 [-5]; Secret (Family involvement with Lord Voldemort and/or Black Arts) [-20]; Youth (7 levels) [-14].

Quirks: Hates and envies Harry Potter and his friends [-1]; Enjoys twisting the rules to his advantage [-1]; Cruel [-1]; Snot-nosed rich kid [-1].

Skills: Acting-12 [4]; Area Knowledge (Magical British Isles)-11 [1]; Alchemy-10+ [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity)-10 [1/2]; Astronomy-9 [1/2]; Botany (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Fast-Talk-11 [2]; Gardening (Magic)-10 [1/2]; Herbalism-9 [1/2]; History (Magic)-9 [1/2]; Hobby Skill (Professional Quiddich)-13 [2]; Intimidation-9* [0]; Leadership-11** [1/2], Research-9 [1/2], Riding (Flying Broomstick)-12 [4]; Savoir-Faire (Magic)-12** [1/2]; Sport (Quiddich)-12 [4]; Stealth-12 [4]; Thaumaturgy-10+ [1/2], Writing-10 [1/2].

Grimoire: Apportation-14+ [1/2], Light-14+ [1/2], Sparks-14+ [1/2], Leg-Locker-14+ [1/2], Expel-14+ [1/2].

+ Includes +3 for Magery 3.

* Defaults from Acting-3.

**Includes +2 for Status.

Equipment: Fancy flying broomstick, Fine clothing worn under ordinary wizards robes when at school, Fancy attuned wand (+2 to skill).

Notes: This represents Draco during the course of the first book. His subsequent development is somewhat like that of Ron Weasley in terms of skills gained. Presumably he develops School Contacts similar to Nearly Headless Nick, Dobby, etc. through Slytherin house. In the second year and later, his father only appears on a roll of 6-, reducing the cost of the Patron advantage to [7], a net -8 point loss.

Draco is a persistent and cunning villain. He might have 1/2 a point in any sneaky or vicious skill, such as Forgery, Poisons, Lockpicking, etc.

Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle (57.5 points)

Dark hair, dull eyes, big and ugly for their ages. Age: 11

Attributes: ST: 10 [0]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 8 [-15]; HT: 10 [0].

Speed: 5.0; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Ally (Draco Malfoy, 12-) [10]; Ally (Vincent Crabbe/Gregory Goyle, 12-) [5]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Independent Income [5]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Magery 3 [35]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Social Status (Son of old wizarding old families) +1 [5]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50]; Wealth (Average) [0].

Disadvantages: Appearance (Unattractive) [-5]; Bully [-10]; Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 6-) [-2]; Gluttony [-5]; Intolerance (Muggles, Poor People) -2 [-10]; Primitive TL6 [-10]; Reputation (School) (Rotten Students, -1, Faculty Only, All the Time) [-2]; Secret (Family involvement with Lord Voldemort and/or Black Arts) [-20]; Youth (7 levels) [-14].

Quirks: Hate and envy Harry Potter and his friends [-1]; Dislike muggle-born wizards and muggle-sympathizers [-1]; Enjoy twisting the rules to their advantage [-1]; Deliberately Cruel [-1]; Do what Malfoy says [-1].

Skills: Acting-7 [1]; Area Knowledge (Magical British Isles)-8 [1]; Alchemy-7+ [1/2]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity)-7 [1/2]; Astronomy-6 [1/2]; Botany (Magic)-6 [1/2]; Brawling-9 [1/2]; Fast-Talk-7 [1]; Gardening (Magic)-7 [1/2]; Herbalism-6 [1/2]; History (Magic)-6 [1/2]; Hobby Skill (Professional Quiddich)-10 [2]; Intimidation-9 [4]; Research-6 [1/2]; Riding (Flying Broomstick)-10 [2]; Savoir-Faire (Magic)-9* [1/2]; Sport (Quiddich)-11 [4]; Stealth-10 [2]; Thaumaturgy-7+ [1/2], Writing-7 [1/2].

Grimoire: Apportation-11+ [1/2], Light-11+ [1/2], Sparks-11+ [1/2], Leg-Locker-11+ [1/2], Expel-11+ [1/2].

+ Includes +3 for Magery 3.

* Defaults from Acting-3.

**Includes +2 for Status.

Notes: Crabbe and Goyle are the intellectual and moral dregs of Hogwarts School. Presumably, they owe their admission to the school to their family connections and their unusual-high level of Magery. Unfortunately, their (relatively) low IQ scores and bullying keep them constantly on the edge of being expelled. They act as muscle-bound henchmen for Draco Malfoy.

Both are heavy-set and well-muscled, although Crabbe is taller, with a thick neck and a pudding bowl haircut. Goyle has short bristly hair and long, gorilla-like arms.

Albus Dumbledore

Long silvery hair and beard, tucked into belt, blue eyes, long nose crooked in two places. Long robes, purple cloak, high-heeled buckled boots, half moon wire-rimmed glasses. Age: 500+

"You flatter me," said Dumbledore calmly. "Voldemort had powers I will never have."

"Only because you're too - well -- noble to use them."

-- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone, p. 11.

Attributes: ST: 10 [0]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 16 [80]; HT: 12 [20].

Speed: 5.5; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) (Headmaster of Hogwarts school) 5 [25]; Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Allies (Various) [20+]; Charisma (2 levels) [10]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Common Sense [10]; Danger Sense [15]; Destiny [20]; Divination Talent [5]; Eidetic Memory (Limitation: Accessibility. Excess memories are stored in the “pensieve.” If stolen, reduce the value of the advantage to First Level Eidetic Memory. -25%.) [45]; Extreme Luck [30]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Literacy [0]; Magery 3+ [35+]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Patron (Ministry of Magic, various Faculty of Hogwarts School, 12-, Unusual Powers, +5) [35]; Reputation (As a hero and as a wizard of exceptional talent, Everyone, All the Time, +3) [30]; Status +4 (Extremely powerful mage; de-facto head of the MoM); Strong Will (3 levels) [12]; Unaging [15]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10].

Disadvantages: Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 12-) [-10]; Enemy (Lord Voldemort and Allies, Medium-sized Powerful Group, 6-) [-15]; Sense of Duty (Hogwarts School, its students, faculty & staff and former students, in that order) [-15].

Quirks: Likes lemon drops and other sweets [-1]; Fond of Harry Potter [-1]; Shuns higher ranks in the Ministry of Magic [-1], Kindly [-1]; Has a scar shaped liked a map of the London underground above his left knee [-1].

Skills: Accounting; Acting; Administration; Alchemy; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity); Astronomy; Botany (Magic); Fast-Talk; Herbalism; History (Magic); Hobby Skill (Chess); Merchant; Politics; Psychology; Riding (Flying Broomstick); Riding (Flying Beast); Savoir-Faire (Magic); Sport (Quiddich); Stealth; Strategy; Teaching; Thaumaturgy; Writing, Zoology (Magic); many others.

Grimoire: At least 100 points spread across at least 100 spells.

Equipment: Wand, Putter-Outer, many other magic items.

Notes: Albus Dumbledore is probably the most powerful mage on the planet. Although he appears to be the kindly head of Hogwarts School, in reality he is much more. He is, effectively, the head of the Ministry of Magic (though he refuses to formally accept the job) and takes charge of the resistance to Voldemort and his followers.

It appears that Dumbledore has an unusual reach into time and space, allowing him to see the future and the truth with uncanny accuracy. Dumbledore probably plays an important role in Harry Potter’s Destiny. It is possible that Dumbledore knows Harry’s fate and is deliberately shaping events to test and strengthen Harry while setting Voldemort up for ultimate defeat.

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Tall, thin, severe-looking middle-aged woman, long black hair tied back in a bun, mild Scots accent. Wears square wire-rimmed glasses and an emerald cloak,

Attributes: ST: 10 [0]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 15 [70]; HT: 11 [15].

Speed: 5.5; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) (Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts school) 4 [20]; Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Allies (Various) [20+]; Charisma (1 level) [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Common Sense [10]; Eidetic Memory (First Level) [30]; Luck [30]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Magery 3+ [35+]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Patron (Ministry of Magic, various Faculty of Hogwarts School, 12-, Unusual Powers, +5) [35]; Reputation (As powerful wizard of exceptional talent, Everyone, All the Time, +2) [20]; Shapeshifting (Were-cat: A tabby cat with square markings around the eyes and prim demeanor.) Status +2 (Powerful mage); Strong Will (3 levels) [12]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10].

Disadvantages: Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 12-) [-10]; Enemy (Lord Voldemort and Allies, Medium-sized Powerful Group, 6-) [-15]; Sense of Duty (Hogwarts School, its students, faculty & staff and Gryffindor House, in that order) [-15]; Workaholic [-5]

Quirks: No-Nonsense [-1], Strict but fair disciplinarian [-1]; Quiet, but passionate Quiddich fan [-1]; Sharp tongue [-1]; Fond of Hermione Granger [-1].

Skills: Accounting; Acting; Administration; Alchemy; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity); Astronomy; Botany (Magic); Fast-Talk; Herbalism; History (Magic); Hobby Skill (Chess); Merchant; Politics; Psychology; Riding (Flying Broomstick); Riding (Flying Beast); Savoir-Faire (Magic); Sport (Quiddich); Stealth; Teaching; Thaumaturgy; Writing, Zoology (Magic); many others.

Grimoire: At least 50 points spread across at least 50 spells.

Notes: Professor Minerva McGonagall is the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts and the head of Gryffindor house. Like Dumbledore, she is a powerful mage, but she doesn’t seem to have Dumbledore’s deep sense of how to proceed in the conflict against Voldemort. She is a tough, unyielding figure, however, competent in any task set to her, and a terror for lazy or errant students.

Rubeus Hagrid

Half-Giant. 10'+ tall, dark eyes, dark, long, shaggy brown hair and beard, ruddy tanned complexion, broadly-built, rough looking, wears an enormous overcoat with multiple pockets stuffed with various bits of equipment and the occasional small animal.

Attributes: ST: 25 [150]; DX: 11 [10]; IQ: 12 [20]; HT: 14/20 [45].

Speed: 6.25; Move: 6; Dodge: 6.

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) (Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts school) 1 [5]; Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Allies (Various) [20+]; Animal Empathy [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Damage Resistance x 3 [15]; Danger Sense [15]; Extra Hit Points x 6 [30]; Fearless x 4 [12]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Luck [15]; Magery 2 [25]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Patron (Albus Dumbledore, 6-, Unusual Powers +5) [5]; Unusual Background (Half-Giant Wizard) [50].

Disadvantages: Compulsive Behavior (Lets secrets slip, and talks too much to the wrong people) [-5]; Delusion (“Magical creatures aren't nearly as bad or as dangerous as people make them out to be.") [-10], Duty (Hogwarts School, Hazardous 12-) [-15]; Easy to Read [-10]; Incompetence (Cooking) [-1]; Inconvenient Size [-10]; Odious Personal Habit (Collects and harbors dangerous, sometimes illegal, magical beasts. -2) [-10]; Reputation (Disgraced wizard, small group of people, 6-, -2) [-5]; Secret (Uses magic though forbidden to do so, breeds illegal magical beasts) (-10); Sense of Duty (Friends, Hogwarts School and its students, faculty & staff) [-10], Social Stigma (Second-Class Citizen) [-5].

Quirks: Allergic to Cats [-1]; Dotes on his magic creatures [-1]; Has a different sense of danger than smaller people [-1]; Sentimental, emotional and plain-spoken [-1]; Conceals his broken wizard's wand in the handle of a large pink umbrella.

Skills: Animal Handling (Magic); Area Knowledge (Forbidden Forest); Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and Surroundings); Astronomy; Bicycle; Botany (Magic); Camouflage; Crossbow; Falconry (Owls); Fire-Starting; First-Aid; Gardening (Magic); Herbalism; Hobby (Knitting); Meteorology; Motorcycle; Naturalist (Magic); Occultism; Orienteering; Riding (Flying Beast); Riding (Flying Broomstick); Riding (Magic Beasts); Stealth; Survival (Forest); Teaching; Thaumaturgy; Tracking; Veterinary (Magic); Zoology (Magic).

Grimoire: Shapeshift Other (Pig), Flight, Egg Filling, Automatic Address, Shape Earth, Create Fire, 10 points in other spells based on the Animal, Earth, Movement and Plant colleges.

Notes: Hagrid is the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts School and is a tragic-comic character. The son of a wizard and a giantess, Hagrid was abandoned by his mother and then orphaned by his father. Through the offices of Dumbledore, Hagrid was invited to attend Hogwarts School, but was wrongly expelled in his third year by Tom Riddle. Dumbledore intervened again, and saw that Hagrid was apprenticed to the Hogwarts groundskeeper. Hagrid thrived in his new role, where he could use his size and toughness to good effect, and where his social status and reputation didn’t matter.

At some point, he quietly repaired his broken wand, disguising it inside the handle of a bright pink bumbershoot. When he can, he enjoys using magic, though to use it legally, he needs to get Dumbledore’s permission.

Hagrid has two major failings. First, he is lonely for human company while not really understanding (or caring to understand) about wizarding culture. Because of this, he wears his heart on his sleeve and talks to anyone who seems interested in what he has to say. Hagrid isn’t Gullible, but doesn’t think deeply about the effect of his words or the motives of the people who talk to him.

Hagrid’s second problem is that he has a giant-sized view of the world. He loves magical creatures, and because they aren’t particularly dangerous to him, he assumes that they aren’t dangerous at all. Hagrid’s giant-sized views also extend to cooking. His strength allows him to eat the rock-like foods he cooks and he forgets that smaller people can’t eat such fare. Hagrid is a decent cook as far as giantish cooking goes, but he effectively is Incompetent when trying to cook for normal humans. Both of Hagrid’s bad habits have gotten him into serious trouble in recent years.

Hagrid is portrayed as a tough, reliable, sympathetic NPC who is always glad to receive visitors to his cottage. When the characters need unexpected muscle to save the day, Hagrid fills the bill nicely. But when they need to navigate the world of muggles (or wizards) Hagrid is a comic character.

Most recently, Hagrid found a kindred spirit (and possible love interest) in the form of Madame Olympe Maxime, the half-giant headmistress of Beauxbatons School. At the end of the fourth book, they were on a diplomatic mission to the remaining giants of Europe, attempting to get them to ally with the wizards against Lord Voldemort.

Professor Severus Snape

Tall, thin, severe-looking man, dark greasy hair, dark cruel eyes, sallow skin, dresses in dark clothing, looks suspicious. Age: 35 to 36.

Attributes: ST: 10 [0]; DX: 10 [0]; IQ: 14 [45]; HT: 10 [0].

Speed: 5.0; Move: 5; Dodge: 5.

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) (Professor at Hogwarts school) 3 [15]; Alertness (2 levels) [10]; Allies (Various) [20+]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Fearless x 2 [4]; Literacy [0]; Longevity [5]; Magery 3+ [35+]; Natural Spell casting [15]; Patron (Ministry of Magic, various Faculty of Hogwarts School, 12-, Unusual Powers, +5) [35]; Strong Will (2 levels) [12]; Unusual Background (Wizard) [50].

Disadvantages: Bully (Limitation: Mild, restricted to intellectual bullying of students. -1 reaction. -50%.) [-5]; Jealousy [-5]; Duty (Hogwarts School, Occasionally Hazardous 12-) [-10]; Enemy (Lord Voldemort and Allies, Medium-sized Powerful Group, 6-) [-15]; Sense of Duty (Hogwarts School, faculty, staff, Slytherin house and students in that order) [-15]; Bad Reputation (Former and possibly future follower of Voldemort, Large Group, 12-, -2) [-5]; Unnatural Feature (“Dark Mark” Tattoo on forearm) (Limitation: Invisible except when Voldemort calls his followers. -50%). [-2].

Quirks: Ill-tempered [-1], Arbitrary disciplinarian who openly favors Slytherin house [-1]; Loyal to Dumbledore [-1]; Hates Harry Potter [-1]; Covets the Defense Against the Dark Arts job at Hogwarts [-1].

Skills: Administration; Alchemy; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts School and vicinity); Astronomy; Botany (Magic); Falconry; Gardening (Magic); Herbalism; History (Magic); Merchant; Occultism; Politics; Poisons; Psychology; Riding (Flying Broomstick); Savoir-Faire (Magic); Stealth; Teaching; Thaumaturgy; Writing, Zoology (Magic); many others.

Grimoire: 40 points spread across about 50 spells.

Maneuvers: If the Alchemical Elixirs as Maneuvers rules from GURPS Wizards are being used, Snape has at least 10 points in alchemical “maneuvers.”

Notes: Professor Severus Snape is the professor of potions at Hogwarts and the head of Slytherin house. Like all the other professors, he is an impressive character, but unlike the others he isn’t a nice person. Snape is the classic, “obvious” villain who always turns out to be an innocent anti-hero at the end of the book.

Snape was James Potter’s rival when they attended Hogwarts School together. Because of this, and because of Harry’s reputation, Snape hates Harry Potter. He enjoys bullying Harry and his friends when he can, but he doesn’t go out of his way to make Harry’s life miserable. If fact, when it serves their mutual interest he quietly works to help Harry against Voldemort. In spite of his opposition to the Dark Lord, Snape comes across as a suspicious character. He is an angry man with a warped sense of justice and mistaken notions of how to “help” Harry in a fight.

Snape desperately wants the job of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, if only because he once was a Death Eater. Perhaps he believes that he has first-hand experience with dealing with the dark arts that other candidates lack. For whatever reason, Dumbledore won’t allow Snape to have the position, and fills the post as best he can.

At the end of the 4th book, there is the possibility that the growing threat of Voldemort’s power will force Snape to (temporarily) forget some of his old grudges; whether the need to make common cause extends to his relationship with Harry and his friends remains to be seen.

Argus Filch (50 points)

Argus Filch is the caretaker (custodian) at Hogwarts school. Despite his relatively low point total, he is greatly feared by students. Filch is a squib and because of his lack of powers, he resents magic-users, especially Hogwarts students. Filch’s cat, Mrs. Norris is a standard wizarding cat. Although Filch is quite fond of her, she counts as neither a dependent or an ally. She is a scrawny-looking, dust-colored cat with bulging eyes. Students must be wary not to break rules in front of her or she will run to Filch and report them.

ST 11 [10]; DX 11 [10]; IQ 11 [10]; HT: 11 [10]

Advantages: Alertness x 2 [10]; Longevity [5]; Magery 0 [5]; Patron (Dumbledore, 6-, Unusual Powers) [10]; Unusual Background (Magically-aware muggle) [10].

Disadvantages: Ugly Appearance [-15]; Bad Temper [-10]; Duty (Hogwarts school, 12-) [-5]; Intolerance (Wizards and other magic-users, -1) [-5]; Jealousy (Wizards and other magic users) [-5]; Literacy [0]; Social Stigma (Second-Class Citizen, Squib) [-5].

Quirks: Dotes on his cat, Mrs. Norris [-1]; Enjoys catching rule-breakers [-1]; Wants to bring back corporeal punishment for rule-breaking students [-1]; Hates people who create messes or break things - especially Peeves the Poltergeist. [-1]; Tries to learn magic via correspondence courses [-1].

Skills: Administration-10 [1]; Animal Handling (specialized in Cats)-9/14 [1]; Area Knowledge (Hogwarts school and surroundings)-14 [6]; Area Knowledge (Magical British Isles)-11 [1]; Blacksmith/TL5-8 [1]; Detect Lies-10 [1]; First Aid/TL6-10 [1]; Professional Skill (Custodian) (M/E)-12 [2]; Occultism-10 [2]; Psychology-10 [1]; Stealth-12 [6], Woodworking-8 [1].

Grimoire: None.

Dobby the House Elf

Dobby is a House Elf in the service of Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy’s father. He appears in the second book as a self-styled “ally” to Harry Potter.

Use the House Elf Racial Template, but make the following changes:

Advantages: Rapid Healing [5], Hard to Kill x 2 [10]; No Low Self-Esteem [+10]; No Slave Mentality [+20].

Disadvantages: Add Duty (Lucius Malfoy and Family, 12-) [-10], Sense of Duty (Harry Potter) [-5].

Quirks: Wants to be free [-1]; Brutally punishes himself when he “accidentally” goes against the interests of the Malfoy family [-1].

When Dobby appears again in Book 4, he has the following changes:

Disadvantages: Add Bad Reputation (Radical, House-Elves Only (Small Group), All the Time, -1) [-5]; Change Wealth to Poor [+10]; Remove Duty (Malfoys) [+10]; Change Sense of Duty (Owner) to (Hogwarts School, Harry Potter and his friends); Remove racial Vow [+5].

Quirks: Remove the quirks listed above. Add Proud of his “independence” [-1]; Dresses outrageously [1-]; Collects socks [-1].

Relevant Skills: Area Knowledge (Magic British Isles); Cooking; Professional Skill (Tailor); Professional Skill (Valet); Savior-Faire (Servant); Stealth.

Grimoire: 10 points of spells including Apportation, Control Flight, Force Dome.

Other Hogwarts Faculty and Staff

Unless otherwise stated, all Hogwarts faculty and staff have the disadvantages of Duty (Hogwarts school, 9-) [-5] and Sense of Duty (Faculty, Staff and Students of Hogwarts school) [-5]. They have the advantages of Allies, Contacts and/or Favors from other faculty and staff members. Professor Dumbledore is a common Patron, since most of the people at Hogwarts are his hand-picked candidates.

Bloody Baron, The: The Bloody Baron is the Slytherin house ghost. He comes closest to being the typical horror story ghost. He is tall and broad, with pale staring eyes and silvery “blood” stains all over his clothes. He is the de facto head of the other ghosts at Hogwarts, if only because they fear him - even Peeves defers to him. Use the standard ghost template, but add at least 50 points in suitably dreadful and violent skills. Add the Terror, Reputation (Too Scary to Mess With, Small Group, All the Time, +2) and Social Status 3 advantages. Disadvantages include Unattractive appearance, Bloodlust and Bad Reputation (Ghastly crimes of violence, Small Group, 9-, -1).

Professor Binns: Professor Binns is another ghost. The legend is that he died in the faculty common room and didn’t notice, and as a result he teaches History at Hogwarts school for eternity. Despite being a ghost, Professor Binns is thoroughly boring - students learn to hate his lectures. Binns is sufficiently detached from the physical world (or resigned to it) that he doesn’t notice that his pupils doze when he speaks. Use the Ghost template, but add the disadvantages of Compulsive Behavior (Keep Teaching) [-10]; Disturbing Voice (Steady, soporific drone) (Limitation: Mild, -1 reaction. -50%) [-5]; Hidebound [-10]; Incompetence (Teaching) [-1]; and No Sense of Humor [-10].

Fat Friar, The: The Fat Friar is the Hufflepuff house ghost. He is plump and cheerful. Use the Ghost template. Presumably he has some skill in Theology.

Professor Flitwick: Charms Professor and head of Ravenclaw House. Flitwick is described as being tiny, plump and old. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, but increase skill in Thaumaturgy, reduce ST to 9 and add Overweight and Dwarfism.

Madam Hooch: Flying instructor, Quiddich coach and referee. Short gray hair and “eyes like a hawk.” Use the Wizard template, but increase skill in Riding (Flying Broomstick), Sport (Quiddich). Add Tournament Law (Quiddich). The movie version gives her yellow eyes, so she might have the Unnatural Feature disadvantage.

Professor Gilderoy Lockhart: Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s 2nd year. Lockhart is a vain, preening idiot who has written dozens of heavily-promoted books on the magical arts. Use the standard wizard template, but reduce IQ by 2, and Magery by 1. Advantages include Appearance (Handsome), Reputation (Famous author, Large Group, 12-, +2) and Wealth (Comfortable). Disadvantages include Cowardice; Glory Hound, Odious Personal Habit (Shameless Huckster, -1); Secret (claims the work of others as his own) and Selfish. Skills include Area Knowledge (Magical Europe) and an improved skill with Writing, but no usual skill with Occultism!

His grimoire is actually somewhat limited, although he has a decent (if not spectacular) skill with the Oblivious spell. Lockhart will claim to be highly proficiency with any necessary spell, no matter how competent he actually is with it.

Gray Lady, The: The Ravenclaw house ghost. She is never described. Use the Ghost template.

Professor J. Remus Lupin: Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s 3rd year. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, with improved skill in Occultism and Naturalist (Magic). Add the appropriate “racial” werewolf template. Spells are skewed toward Metaspells and animal control spells.

Sir Nicolas de Mimsey-Porpington, aka “Nearly-Headless Nick:” Nearly Headless Nick is the Gryffindor house ghost. He is generally well-disposed towards students, and is occasionally willing to help them. When materialized, he looks like a shimmering silvery gray shadow of a late 15th c. nobleman, although he occasionally wears late 16th c. ruffs. Nick earned his nickname from the fact that he wasn’t properly decapitated. Instead, his head hung to his body by a bit of skin and muscle, as a result Nick’s head occasionally “falls off” onto his shoulder, especially when he is laughing or in a hurry. When he doesn’t want this to happen, he wears a ruff to help keep his head on. Anyone observing Nick’s head falling off must make a Fright Check. Use the Ghost template, add Terror (Limitation: Involuntary Use on a roll of 6-. -10%).

Professor Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moony: Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during Harry’s 3rd year. Moony is, in theory, a powerful, if dangerous retired “auror.” Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, but add the advantages of 360 degree Vision (Limitation: Linked to Unnatural Feature. -10%); Combat Reflexes; Danger Sense; Fearless x 2; Hard to Kill; Intuition; See Invisible; Strong Will x 2; Reputation (Skilled fighter against the Dark Arts, Large Group; 12-, +2) [3] and Toughness (1 level).

Disadvantages include: Hideous Appearance; Bad Temper; Callous; One Leg; Paranoia; Reputation (Dangerous Nut, Large Group; 12-, -2) [-3]; Unnatural Feature (Artificial Magic Eye that swivels in its socket) (Limitation: Linked to 360-Degree Vision. -10%.)

Skills: Add Combat and Thief/Spy skills as necessary, vastly increase skill in Occultism and Thaumaturgy.

Grimoire: Moony’s spells are skewed towards “Dark Arts” spells and spells that defend against the dark arts, mostly drawn from the Body Control, Communication and Empathy, Gate, Metaspells, Mind Control, Necromantic and Protection and Warning colleges.

Moaning Myrtle: The ghost of a Hogwarts school student who died when the Chamber of Secrets was first opened. She haunts the S-bend of a toilet in the girl’s bathroom on the first floor; often slopping water from the toilets onto the floor. She is familiar with the Hogwarts plumbing system, as well as the inhabitants of the school lake. She appears as a young school girl, dressed in wizard’s robes, wearing glasses on her tear-stained face. Use the Ghost template, but add the Compulsive Behavior (Lurk in the girl’s bathroom and cry loudly) [-15]; Delusion (Nobody Loves Me) [-10]; and Odious Personal Habit (Whining, -2) [-10]. Add the quirks “Sensitive about being dead.” and “Takes offense where none was meant.”

Peeves the Poltergeist: Peeves is the Hogwarts school poltergeist. He appears as a small man with a malicious expression, dressed in brightly-colored, eccentric clothing. He enjoys teasing Hogwarts students, breaking things, creating messes and otherwise causing trouble. Filch hates Peeves because of all the mess and destruction he causes. He will grudgingly, eventually, obey Hogwarts faculty and might listen to other ghosts, but only the Bloody Baron (the Slytherin house ghost) can really keep him in line. Peeves’ loyalty to Hogwarts is questionable, so it is possible that he doesn’t have the Sense of Duty disadvantage. He certainly doesn’t have any known Duty there, the other ghosts seem to keep him around because it’s easier to put up with him than to try to evict him. Peeves will tease and bully anyone he can, though his behavior tends more towards cruel practical jokes, crude mockery and shadenfreude than physical abuse.

Use the Ghost template, with the Poltergeist option. Add the Bully [-10] Compulsive Behavior (Childish practical jokes) [-10]; Odious Personal Habit (Push it to the limit, -2) [-10] and Odious Personal Habit (Destructive, -2) [-10] disadvantages.

Madam Irma Pince: Madam Pince is the Hogwarts librarian. She is described as being fierce, irritable and vulture-like in appearance. She is extremely protective of the library and its books, and is suspicious of anyone attempting to use the books in the restricted section. No student is allowed to access the restricted section without a permission slip signed by a professor.

Madam Poppy Pomfrey: Doctor and Nurse at Hogwarts school. Use the Wizard template, but add Diagnosis/TL6, First Aid/TL6, Physician/TL6, Psysiology/TL6, Psychology/TL6 Surgery/TL6, increase Alchemy skill. Spells are skewed towards Healing, with some beneficial Communication and Empathy, Metaspells and Mind Control spells.

Professor Sinistra: The Astronomy and Arithmancy professor at Hogwarts. She is never described in the books. Use the standard Ministry of Magic wizard template, but increase skill in Astronomy and Astrology.

Professor Sprout: Botany Professor and head of Hufflepuff House. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, but increase skill in Alchemy, Herbalism and Botany (Magic), Add Gardening skill. Spells are skewed towards Earth, Water and Plant college magic.

Professor Sibyl Trelawney: Divinations Professor. She is notable for loudly making predictions of death and doom for students in her class. Fortunately, none of these predictions ever come to pass. She is very thin with large glasses that magnify her eyes so much that she looks like a giant insect. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, but add Divination Talent [5]. Disadvantages include Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Loner [-5]; Delusion (That she is a much better seer than she really is); Odious Personal Habit (Predicts doom, death and gloom at length. -1) [-5] and Skinny [-10]. Quirks include Dresses and behaves dramatically. Add Acting and Performance skill. Increase Astrology and Occultism skill.

Professor Vector: Arithmancy professor. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template. Relevant skills include Mathematics, Occultism, Physics and Thaumaturgy.

Other Hogwarts Students

Hogwarts students use on of the two Hogwarts student template. The few supporting characters who are mentioned in any detail are mentioned below:

Lavender Brown: Hermione’s roommate. Best friends with Parvati Patil and good at Divinations.

Millicent Bulstrode: Slytherin girl of the same year as Harry Potter and his friends. She is loosely allied with Draco Malfoy and his cronies. She is heavy-set and unattractive, presumably with dark hair. She keeps a black wizarding cat.

Cho Chang: Ravenclaw student one year ahead of Harry and seeker for the Ravenclaw Quiddich team. Presumably oriental, and very attractive. Harry has a crush on her. She has a crush on Cedric Diggory.

Roger Davies: Captain of the Ravenclaw Quiddich team. Presumably very attractive.

Fleur Delacouer: The Beauxbatons champion in the 4th novel. Use the Hogwarts 5th year template, modified to suit a 7th year student; but add +1 IQ [10]; +1 DX [10] and add Appearance (Very Beautiful) [25]; Charisma x 2 [10] and Unusual Background (Grandmother was a Veela) [5]. Native language is French, but she knows English at IQ level in addition to her other skills.

Cedric Diggory: Captain of the Hufflepuff Quiddich team, excellent student and handsome. He becomes a major character in the 4th novel. Use the Hogwarts 5th year template, modified to suit a 7th year student; but add +1 IQ [10]; +2 DX [20]; 3-D Spatial Sense [10]; Appearance (Handsome) [15]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Patron (Father, 6-) [5]; and Reputation (School; Big Man on Campus, +2) [5]. Disadvantages include Code of Honor (Gentleman’s) [-5]. Add suitably high levels of Riding (Flying Broom) and Sport (Quiddich).

Seamus Finnegan: Harry Potter’s roommate. Sandy-haired. Irish; passionate supporter of the Irish Quiddich Team. Best friend to Dean Thomas.

Victor Krumm: Seeker of the Bulgarian National Quiddich team, and Durmstrang school champion. He is tall, thin, with dark hair and eyes and a hooked nose. He is stoop-shouldered and duck-footed, only showing his remarkable dexterity in the air. Use the Hogwarts 5th year template, modified to suit a 7th year student; but add +1 IQ [10]; +4 DX [45]; 3-D Spatial Sense [10]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Patron (Headmaster of Durmstrang; Bulgarian Quiddich Supporters, 15-) [30; Reputation (Brilliant Quiddich Player; Large Group; All the Time; +4) [20]. Disadvantages include Shy [-5]. He has the skills of Riding (Flying Broom) and Sport (Quiddich) at extremely high levels, perhaps 25 or more.

Neville Longbottom: Harry Potter’s roommate and friend. Round face, unsure of himself. Use the 1st year template, but add Heir [5]; Patron (Grandmother, 6-) [5]; Status 1 (Member of old wizard family, whose parents were incapacitated fighting Voldemort) [5]; Absent-Minded [-15]; Edgy [-5]; Klutz [-10]; Low Self-Image [-10]; Magery 2 [-10]; School Reputation (Last and worst at everything; -2) [-5] and Shy [-5].

Like Harry Potter, Neville’s parents were also victims of Lord Voldemort. They worked as aurors and were driven into a catatonic stupor when Voldemort’s supporters attacked them. Because of this, Neville was raised by his formidable witch of a grandmother, who dominated him. Neville didn’t manifest his magical powers until he was in his late childhood, and his relatives loudly proclaimed that he might be a squib. Because of his background and his emotional problems, Neville struggles with his studies. He is particularly terrified by bullies, such as Malfoy or Snape, and he doesn’t think that he is very good at magic. It is possible that with some encouragement, he could get over his problems, and possibly even improve his level of Magery. He seems to be good with plants and might have the Green Thumb advantage.

Parvati Patil: East Indian or Pakistani and very attractive. Roommate with Hermione. Best friends with Lavender Brown and good at divinations. Her identical twin sister, Padma Patil, is in Ravenclaw house.

Pansy Parkinson: A Slytherin girl in the same year as Harry Potter and his friends. She is loosely allied with Draco Malfoy and his cronies. In book 4, she accompanies Draco Malfoy to the Yule ball. She is described as having a face like a pug dog.

Dean Thomas: Harry Potter’s roommate. Black with dreadlocks. Muggle-born. West Ham football and Quiddich fan. Best friend to Seamus Finnegan.

Oliver Wood: Captain of the Gryffindor Quiddich team who graduates at the end of Harry’s 3rd year. He is signed as a reserve team Quiddich player in the 4th book. Use the Hogwarts 5th year student template, but increase DX by +2 [20]; add 3-D Spatial Sense [10] and Combat Reflexes [15]. Add Compulsive Behavior (Quiddich playing) [-5]. Increase Riding (Flying Broom) to 17; add Sport (Quiddich)-17.

The Weasley Family

The Weasley’s are a down-at-the-heels but happy wizarding family. They live in a ramshackle house called “The Burrow” in the town of Ottery St. Catchpole, which is itself located in a semi-rural area someplace north of London. They are all friends and advisors to Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, though no other members of the family are quite as close to Harry and Hermione as is Ron. They can be taken as a “normal,” if large, wizard family.

All the Weasleys (with the exception of Molly Weasley) are tall, with freckles, light-colored eyes and bright red hair.

While not downright poor, the Weasleys aren’t rich. In GURPS terms, the family as a whole is on the borderline between Average and Struggling wealth, tending towards Struggling. Given that their lack of money doesn’t seem to be much of a hindrance, the family as a whole has Struggling wealth, but the school-aged children are Poor.

Arthur Weasley

Arthur Weasley is the family patriarch. He is a middle-aged, balding man with remains of the trademark Weasley red hair. He works for the Ministry of Magic in the Committee for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts. His job requires him to keep enchanted mundane artifacts out of the hands of muggles. Unfortunately, Arthur Weasley has the habit of enchanting muggle artifacts himself!

Given that his wife and children are all competent wizards, they are Allies rather than Dependents.

Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, with the following changes:

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) 3 [15]; Ally (Molly Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Charlie Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Bill Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Percy Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ginny Weasley, 6-) [5]; Connections (Various Ministry of Magic employees) x 4 [10]; Favors (Various Ministry of Magic employees) x 2 [2]; Legal Enforcement Powers (Ministry of Magic) [5].

Disadvantages: Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Compulsive Behavior (Enchanting muggle technology) [-5]; Duty (Ministry of Magic, 12-) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5].

Quirks: Fascinated by muggle society and mundane technology [-1]; Writes MoM regulations with loopholes that allow him to enchant muggle items himself [-1]; Devoted to his wife and family [-1].

Relevant skills: Anthropology (Muggles); Mechanic (Cars)/TL6; Mechanic (Household Appliances)/TL6.

Grimoire: Arthur Weasley’s spells are weighted towards TL5-6 Technology magic.

Molly Weasley

Molly Weasley is the family matriarch, a stay-at-home witch only recently freed from the full-time job of looking after small children. She is a middle-aged, short, plump woman with graying red hair.

Use the basic wizard template, with the following changes:

Advantages: Ally (Arthur Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Charlie Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Bill Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Percy Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ginny Weasley, 6-) [5].

Disadvantages: Overweight [-5]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5].

Quirks: Brooks no nonsense from any member of her family [-1]; Expects her children to do well [-1]; Worries about money [-1]; Has a crush on Gilderoy Lockhart [-1]; Devoted to her husband and family [-1].

Relevant skills: Administration (Domestic); Cooking; Falconry (Owls); First Aid; Gardening; Merchant; Professional Skill (Home-maker); Psychology.

Grimoire: Molly Weasley’s spells are weighted towards “domestic” magic - mostly spells from the Food and Making and Breaking colleges, possibly with some Plant, Animal, Healing and Protection and Warning spells thrown in.

Bill Weasley

Bill Weasley is the eldest of the Weasley children. He is a Hogwarts graduate and former Head Boy. He works for Gringott’s Wizarding Bank as a treasure hunter. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, with the following changes:

Advantages: Administrative Rank (Gringott’s Bank) 1 [5]; Attractive Appearance [5]; Ally (Molly Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Charlie Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Arthur Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Percy Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ginny Weasley, 6-) [5]; Charisma +1 [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Connections (Gringott’s Bank, Skill 12, Reliable) [2]; Danger Sense [15].

Disadvantages: Duty (Gringott’s Bank, 12-) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5].

Quirks: Dresses fashionably, following muggle “club dress” models [-1]; Wears dragon-hide boots and an earring made from a fang [-1]; Wears his hair long [-1].

Relevant skills: Anthropology (Muggles); Archeology (Ancient Egypt); Architecture; Area Knowledge (Egypt); History (Ancient Egypt); Language (Egyptian Arabic); Language (Gobbledygook); Language (Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics); Merchant; Occultism (Ancient Egypt); Poisons; Research; Running; Survival (Desert), Stealth; Tactics (Tomb-Raiding), Traps.

Grimoire: Bill’s spells are weighted towards classic “adventuring” spells, with an emphasis on tomb raiding - spells that work well against curses, evil spirits and the undead.

Charlie Weasley

Charlie Weasley is the second oldest of the Weasley children. He is a Hogwarts graduate and former captain of the Gryffindor quiddich team. He is an excellent player would could play professionally if he wished to do so. He currently is studying dragons in Romania.

Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, with the following changes.

Attributes: +3 DX [+30].

Advantages: 3-D Spatial Sense [10]; Administrative Rank (Ministry of Magic) 1 [5]; Ally (Molly Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Arthur Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Bill Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Percy Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ginny Weasley, 6-) [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Legal Enforcement Powers (Ministry of Magic) [5]; Toughness x 1 [15].

Disadvantages: Duty (Ministry of Magic, 12-) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5].

Quirks: Wears boots made from dragon hide [-1].

Skills: Animal Handling (Magic, specialized in Dragons); Naturalist (Magic); Language (Romanian); Riding (Flying Broom)-18; Sport (Quiddich)-18; Zoology (Magic).

Grimoire: Charlie’s spells are weighted towards “adventuring” spells, with an emphasis on spells used to find, control and fight magical beasts, especially dragons.

Percy Weasley

Percy Weasley is the third of the Weasley children. He is driven to succeed and enjoys following the rules - a natural company man. He was prefect and then head boy at Hogwarts. Like the rest of the Weasley family, he has bright red hair, worn short, and possibly thinning.

Use the Hogwarts 5th Year template to represent him in the first three books. Use the Ministry of Magic template to represent him in the fourth novel.

At Hogwarts, he has a School Reputation for being a Prefect (+1) and then Head Boy (+2).

Advantages: Ally (Arthur Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Charlie Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Bill Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Molly Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ginny Weasley, 6-) [5]; Reputation (Overachiever, +1) [5].

Disadvantages: Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Dull [-1]; Honest [-10]; Reputation (Stuffy and pompous, -2) [-10]; Sense of Duty (Family and later, also Ministry of Magic) [-5]; Workaholic [-5].

Skills: Administration; Leadership; Research; Writing.

Quirks: Humorless [-1]; Likes rules [-1]; Does things “by the book” and expects others to do the same. [-1].

Fred and George Weasley

Fred and George Weasley are Ron Weasley’s identical twin brothers. Like Ron, they are tall, with bright red hair. Unlike the rest of the Weasley family, they are slackers and trouble-makers, but with marvelous sense of humor and a gift for making magical practical jokes.

Use the Hogwarts 5th year template, with skills skewed towards “extra-curricular” activities.

Advantages: Charisma +1 [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Reputation (School) (Life of the Party, Students Only. +2) [3].

Disadvantages: Bad Reputation (School) (Troublemakers, Faculty Only. -2) [-3]; Compulsive Behavior (Invent and try out magical practical jokes) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Family) [-5]; Trickster [-15]; Wealth (Poor) [-10].

Quirks: Love humor in all forms [-1]; Don’t take life seriously [-1]; Love playing quiddich [-1]; Enjoy playing with dangerous toys such as fireworks [-1].

Skills: Acting; Carousing; Fast-Talk; Fireworks; Gambling; Hobby (Games); Hobby (Chess); Holdout; Lockpicking; Merchant; Psychology; Sport (Quiddich); Riding (Flying Broomstick).

Ginny Weasley

Ginny Weasley is the youngest of the Weasley children and the only girl. She is thin, with the usual Weasley features.

Use the Hogwarts 1st year template for her.

Advantage: Ally (Arthur Weasley, 12-) [10]; Ally (Charlie Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Bill Weasley, 12-) [15]; Ally (Percy Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Fred Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (George Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Ron Weasley, 6-) [5]; Ally (Molly Weasley, 12-) [10]; Attractive Appearance [5].

Disadvantages: Shy [-5].

Quirks: Has a crush on Harry Potter [-1]; Wants to do as well as her older siblings [-1].

Other Wizards and Creatures

Ludovic “Ludo” Bagman: Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sport. Ludo is a former Quiddich player turned lackluster bureaucrat. This template portrays him approximately halfway through the fourth book. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template but add Administrative Rank +5 [25]; Charisma +1 [5]; Reputation (Quiddich Star, Large Group, 9-, +2) [2] and Social Status x 2 [10]. Disadvantages include Compulsive Gambling [-15]; Enemy (Goblin Creditors, 9-) [-20]; Reputation (Deadbeat; Small Group, 9-, -2) [-2]; Wealth (Poor) [-15].

Relevant skills include: Accounting; Administration; Carousing; Fast-Talk; Gambling; Leadership; Merchant; Professional Skill (Bookie); Riding (Broomstick); Sport (Quiddich); Streetwise (Magic); Tournament Law (Quiddich).

Before Bagman’s personal crisis at the World Quiddich Cup, he would have a Secret [-15] as to the extent of his gambling problem, no other disadvantages and Comfortable wealth.

Sirius Black (aka Padfoot, Snuffles): Sirius Black is Harry Potter’s godfather and was James Potter’s best friend. He is now wanted by the Ministry of Magic for the murder of Peter Pettigrew. Most wizards and witches think that he is a murderous dark wizard. In reality, he was framed.

He managed to survive the hellish conditions in the Prison of Azkaban, but when he realized that Harry was in danger at the beginning of Harry’s 3rd year at Hogwarts, Sirius engineered an escape. He then assisted Harry in defeating one of Lord Voldemort’s minions. Currently, he is a large along with the condemned hippogriff, Buckbeak. Only Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Dumbledore know that Sirius is innocent.

Use the Hogwarts 7th year template, but add +2 IQ, +1 DX and +4 HT. He also has the advantages of Attractive Appearance [5]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Common Sense [10]; Danger Sense [15]; Empathy [15]; Intuition [15]; Patron (Harry Potter, 9-) [5]; Shapeshifting (Were-dog; treat as a Werewolf) [15]; Strong Will +2 [8] and Unfazeable [15]. He has the disadvantages of Enemy (Ministry of Magic and Dementors, 9-) [30]; Sense of Duty (Friends) [-5]; Wealth (Dead Broke) [-25].

Add 30 points to his skills and add Combat/Weapon; Outdoor, Social, and Thief/Spy skills as necessary. In particular, he has Occultism; Stealth; Survival (Forest and Urban); and Intelligence Analysis skills at high levels. Add 30 points to his spells, with emphasis on spells that protect against the dark arts.

Bartelemus “Barty” Crouch, Sr.: Barty Crouch is the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. He is a strict, no-nonsense, by-the-book sort of wizard. Not surprisingly, Percy Weasley, his youngest employee, adores him. Use the Ministry of Magic template, but add Administrative Rank +5 [25]; Social Status x 3 [15] and Wealth (Rich) [25]. Disadvantages include Code of Honor (Gentleman’s) [-5]; Dependent (Son, 15-) [-20] and Secret [-15].

Bartelemus Crouch, Jr.: Barty Crouch’s son is a dedicated follower of Lord Voldemort who managed to escape from Azkaban. Use the statistics for “Mad-Eye” Moody, with the addition of Zeroed [15]; Callous [-6], Fanaticism (Lord Voldemort) [-10] and Overconfidence [-10]. Important skills include Acting, Alchemy and Fast-Talk.

Cornelius Fudge: Minister of Magic. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template, but increase Administrative Rank to 6, improve Allies, Contacts and Favors accordingly and add Social Status 4. He has the disadvantages of Cowardice [-15] and Delusion (Voldemort and his minions aren’t a serious threat) [-10]. His important skills are Politics, Administration, Savoir Faire (Magic) and Accounting. He has the Quirks of “Does whatever it takes to remain politically popular.” “Tries to sweep Ministry of Magic scandals and crises under the rug.” and “Refuses to admit he’s in over his head.”

Griphook: Griphook is one of the leading goblin bankers at Grimgrott’s. Use the standard Goblin template, but with skills in Accounting, Administration, Merchant and Professional Skill (Banker).

Lily Potter: Lily Potter was Harry’s mother and died defending him against Lord Voldemort. Although she is dead, like her husband, she appears to Harry in a number of ways, described below. She appears as a slim young woman with long brown hair and bright green eyes.

James Potter: Harry Potter’s father who was killed attempting to defend his family against Lord Voldemort. Although he is dead, he has appeared to Harry in a number of ways - as a vision in the Mirror of Desire, in a flashback inspired by the Dementors (see Magical Beasts), as a “Patronus,” and most recently as an “echo” expelled from Lord Voldemort’s wand. He appears as a young man with unruly brown hair and glasses. He looks like an older version of Harry, except for the eyes.

Lucius Malfoy: Draco Malfoy’s father. A rich, elegant, thoroughly amoral dark wizard. Use the Ministry of Magic wizard template with the Death Eater addition, but add Reputation (Powerful Wizard, not to be trifled with, +2) [10]; Status 4 [20] and Wealth (Filthy Rich) [50]. He has pale skin, light hair and the same sneering expression as his son. He wears expensive, elegant suits.

Peter Pettigrew (aka Scabbers, Wormtail): Peter Pettrigrew was a friend to James Potter, Sirius Black and Lupin when they were at Hogwarts school. Unfortunately, Peter was weak and cowardly and quickly fell under Voldemort’s sway. Voldemort used him to get to James and Lily Potter. In the ensuing mayhem, it appeared that Sirius Black killed Pettigrew and a number of innocent bystanders. In reality, Pettigrew survived, escaped and reappeared at Hogwarts school. Poised to betray Harry Potter to Voldemort, Pettigrew was thwarted by Harry, Ron, Hermione and Sirius, but he managed to escape and still serves the Dark Lord. Use the standard wizard template, with the Death Eater additions. Add Danger Sense [10]; Shapeshifter (Were rat) [5] and Zeroed [15]. Disadvantages include Appearance (Unattractive) [-5]; Cowardice [-15]; Missing Digit (1 finger) [-2]; Odious Personal Habit (Fawning sycophant, -1) [-5]; Overweight [5]; Selfish [-5]; Weak Will x 2 [-12] and Wealth (Dead Broke) [-25]. At the end of Book 4, remove the Missing Finger disadvantage and add the following:

ST +5 (Limitation: One hand only. -75%.)[15], Unnatural Feature (Obviously artificial, magic silver hand) [-5].

Professor Quirrel: Use the standard Hogwarts wizard template, but increase his skill with the Occultism advantage. Add the Edgy [-5], Stuttering [-15], and Secret [-20] disadvantages. He also has a Duty to Voldemort (All the Time, Hazardous, Involuntary) [-20]. He dies at the end of the first book while trying to gain the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s stone.

Rita Skeeter: Tabloid-style reporter from the Daily Prophet. Use the basic Wizard template but add Reputation (Hard-Hitting Journalist +1) [5]; Shapeshifting (Were-Beetle) [5]; Wealth (Comfortable) [10]; Bad Sight (Corrected) [-10]; Jealousy [-5]; Odious Personal Habit (Intrusive, doesn’t respect other people’s feelings or privacy, -2) [-10]; Overconfidence [-10]; Reputation (Distorts truth and bend the rules to get her story, Small Group, 9- -1) [-1]; Secret (Unregistered Animagus) [-5]. She might also have Enemies in the form of people who have been hurt by her yellow journalism.

Lord Voldemort (aka Tom Marvolo Riddle, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named): Tom Riddle was the orphan son of a witch and a rich muggle. After his mother died, his father put him in an orphanage, where he stayed until he went to Hogwarts school. At Hogwarts, he discovered that he was the Heir of Slytherin and had the ability to speak with serpents. He was responsible for the first opening of the Chamber of Secrets, for the death of Moaning Myrtle and for Hagrid’s expulsion. After he graduated, he murdered his father and paternal grandparents before engaging on a campaign to take over the wizarding world. For over a decade, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he and his supporters orchestrated a reign of terror against wizards and muggles alike. He very nearly succeeded with his plan, except that Lily Potter (Harry’s mother) used the Sacrifice Counter-Curse (see spells) to protect Harry. The resulting critical failure with the Avada Kedavra spell nearly killed Voldemort, destroying his body and leaving his soul barely alive. Harry Potter, still an infant, gained much of Voldemort’s power.

Subsequently, Voldemort fled to Albania where he gradually regained some of his former power. He returned to England after possessing the body of a young scholar. His first attempt to regain his physical body was defeated by Harry Potter at the end of Harry’s first year. The next year, using his old diary, Voldemort attempted to destroy Harry, but he was defeated again and was weakened by the struggle. The next year; assisted by Peter Pettigrew, Voldemort tried to attack Harry again, and was again thwarted. The next year, with the aid of Pettigrew, Voldemort attempted to regain his physical body and regain his power. Again, Harry defeated Voldemort and escaped, but Voldemort regained his body and some of his lost power.

At the end of the 4th book, Voldemort has risen again, his followers have reunited and he is poised to make another attempt to take over the world.

No statistics are given for Voldemort. He is designed as the ultimate evil wizard with a powerful Destiny intertwined with that of Harry Potter. Eventually, one or both of them will die in a final conflict. He has whatever skills, abilities, attributes and advantages it takes seriously scare the player characters.

Characters who are unfortunate to meet Voldemort in the flesh will see a tall, skeletally-thin man with long fingers, red, snake-like eyes and snake-like slits for nostrils. His voice is eerie, cold and high-pitched, frequently rising in rage or whining with menace. He has the unerring ability to detect states of emotion and to discern lies, and will casually kill anyone who challenges him, betrays him or shows insufficient loyalty to his cause. He enjoys killing weak and helpless people (particularly muggles) for fun and will commit murder to make a point or out of mere convenience. His favorite combat spell is Avada Kedavra.

Muggles

The Grangers: Hermione’s parents are only peripherally described in the books. They are described as being dentists. Based on Hermione’s personality, they are presumably intelligent, highly-successful people and good parents.

Advantages: Unusual Background (Magically-aware muggle) [10], and Wealth (Comfortable).

Disadvantages: Social Stigma (Muggle) [-15].

Relevant Skills: First Aid; Physiology; Professional Skill (Dentist).

The Durselys: Harry’s aunt, uncle and cousin are stereotypically awful muggles who have devoted their lives to making Harry miserable because he is a wizard.

Advantages: Wealth (Comfortable).

Disadvantages: Appearance (Unattractive) [-5]; Bad Temper [-10]; Bully [-10]; Greed [-10]; Intolerance (Wizards and anyone who displays “deviant” behavior, -2) [-10], Jealousy [-5]; Social Stigma (Muggle) [-15].

Dudley Dursely adds Gluttony [-5] and Fat [-10] to his disadvantages.

Chapter 10 - Campaigns

Working for MoM: Given the scope of the Ministry of Magic’s powers, it is possible to run an entire campaign where the characters are employees of the Ministry of Magic. A “trouble-shooting” team such as the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad offers tremendous scope for a campaign or for one-shot adventures.

Hoggy, Hoggy, Hogwarts: This is the archetypical Harry Potter campaign - student wizards at Hogwarts. In addition to the routine challenges of outwitting faculty and students from other houses, Hogwarts School itself is full of mysteries and interesting characters. For a change of pace, characters can spend their summer holidays adventuring in the company of older siblings or parents.

Fieldwork: In this campaign, players take on the roles of wizardly researchers, studying occult phenomena, magical beasts or strange goings-on. Characters will get to interact with strange beasts and learn about rare new powers. If they’re particularly unlucky, they might run into Lord Voldemort and his minions.

Aurors: This campaign is similar to the Ministry of Magic campaign, but characters are Aurors - elite wizards who investigate and deal with manifestations of the evil magic Aurors deal with werewolves, vampires, and wizards who have gotten too involved with the Dark Arts, either by killing them or capturing them and bringing them to trial.

Appendix: Harry Potter: The Movie

The movie makes a number of trivial changes to the stories. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Devil’s Snare: The plant will release victims who relax entirely. If trapped characters can make a Will roll (or a Meditation skill roll) to remain absolutely still and calm, the plant will drop or release them.

Seamus Finnegan: He might have the Unluckiness disadvantage, since spells seem to blow up in his face.

Goblins: They have pale skin, white hair, large pointed ears and long noses. Otherwise, they are as described above.

Hermione Granger: Add Continual Light spell to Grimoire.

Madame Hooch: Add Unnatural Feature (Yellow Eyes) [-5].

Draco Malfoy: Possibly drop Crabbe and Goyle as Allies; they barely appear in the film.

Peeves the Poltergeist: Peeves doesn’t appear in the movie. He might not exist.

Quiddich: Pushing and shoving are allowed, as long as the players don’t intentionally grab an opponent or his broom. Play does not stop if players are incapacitated by bludgers or if they fall off their brooms. Presumably, the surface of a quiddich field is enchanted so that falling characters are not killed or seriously injured when they hit the ground.

Professor Quirrel: Add Acting skill; drop the Stuttering and Edgy disadvantages. Add Fanaticism (Voldemort) [-10].

Professor Snape: Add Voice [10].

Lord Voldemort: Add the Ghost advantage, but with the Limitation: Can’t Materialize [-25%].

Molly Weasley: Remove the Overweight disadvantage.

The GM should also feel free to improve the Appearance of any character with at least Average appearance and to give characters the Voice advantage as necessary, in keeping with the general “Hollywood” appearance of the film.

Appendix 2: Children as Characters

The table on p. 14 of the GURPS Basic Set fails the reality check. Children will have different "average" levels in each attribute. If you want a character under 18 years old (usually as an NPC), you can use these average levels for each age:

This information is based on the growth rates for modern children in 20th century Western countries. In less advanced societies or societies where child nutrition isn't as good, growth rates will lag by a couple of years. This will principally affect strength scores, but in cases of severe, prolonged malnutrition will affect DX, HT and IQ scores by one or two points as well.

Girls tend to mature faster than boys do. It is possible for a modern 12-or-13 year old girl to be as sexually and physically mature as a 14 or 15-year-old boy. Obviously, this affects ST, DX and HT only, IQ stays at the 12 or 13 year old rate.

The HT score to the left of the slash represents the child's damage capacity or "hit points". The number to the right of the slash is used for all purposes. This lower number is because children and adolescents have less resistance to disease than adults and my assumption that children don't take stress, pain and hardship as well as adults.

Note that the lower IQ scores for children do not correlate with the type of IQ measured by a test. IQ in this game is both intelligence and general experience. A child may be bright, but is not likely to have as much general experience or general education as an adult. Unlike an adult with low IQ, however, children learn fast. A case could be made for giving them the Eidetic Memory (Full) for learning skills, and one or more levels of Language Talent, for the first few years of life.

The Point Cost to play a child includes all the negative points for lowered attribute levels, plus the -2 per year (under the age of majority) cost of the Youth disadvantage and other disadvantages.

Notes

Newborn (NB): This represents a baby less than 4 months old. Quadriplegic represents the utter helplessness of such a small child. Bestial represents the baby’s complete lack of understanding of human culture. Presentient represents the child’s undeveloped brain. Optionally, add Weak Immune System [-20 points] to the list of disadvantages and increase HT by 1 level [+10] for a net loss of -10 points. In a literate culture, add the Illiteracy disadvantage [-15 points]. In other cultures, the Ignorance [-5] and/or Uneducated [-5] disadvantages might be appropriate for children of all ages.

The Pitiable and Sanctity advantages represent the fact that most adults consider children cute, innocent, and harmless.

Sexual disadvantages, such as Sterile are not applicable to children until they reach puberty. They are included in the cost of the Youth and Inconvenient Size disadvantages.

0 years: This represents a baby less than 12 months old. Paraplegic represents the child’s relative inability to walk. Mute represents the child’s inability to speak coherently. Note that Reduced Move is a feature of the Inconvenient Size disadvantage. In a literate culture, add the Illiteracy disadvantage [-15 points]. In other cultures, the Ignorance [-5] and/or Uneducated [-5] disadvantages might be appropriate.

1 year. This represents a baby that is just learning to walk and talk. Lame (Crippled Leg) replaces Paraplegic. It represents the difficulty small children have in walking. The Presentient disadvantage is removed as the child’s mind develops. Very Curious and Gullible represent a small child’s desire to learn about the world and their inexperience. Impulsive represents the child’s incomplete control over his emotions.

2-4 years. Children in this range are toddlers. They can walk, but are still learning to control their bodies, hence their low DX. They are just learning to talk, hence the Stuttering disadvantage. Bestial is removed as the child is toilet trained, and as they learn the rules of human society (i.e., “Share,” “Pick up your toys,” “Other people have feelings.”). At this age, the Bestial disadvantage can be partially removed, to be replaced by either Odious Personal Habit (Toddler) and/or Stress Atavism (i.e., reverts to infantile behavior under stress, such as throwing temper tantrums).

Child prodigies sometimes manifest at this stage of development. An exceptional child might have high levels in Musical Ability, Mathematical Ability or Language Talent, and/or higher than normal IQ.

5-7 years. Children in this range are just beginning school. In a literate culture, they will begin to replace Illiteracy with Semi-Literacy, or even full Literacy. Children at this level can begin to acquire formal skills.

As the child learns more about the world, Very Curious is reduced to Curious, and then is removed entirely. Children also begin to lose the Gullibility disadvantage at this age.

8-12 years. Children in this range begin to develop their adult levels of Dexterity and grow to a near adult sizes, removing the Inconvenient Size disadvantage. Residual clumsiness is reflected by low skill levels. Small size and still developing immune system account for low ST and HT levels. Some children start puberty towards the end of this age range, for early bloomers, see the notes for the next age bracket, below.

13-17 years old: Puberty starts at this age. The child’s more adult body and behavior mean that they lose the Sanctity and Pitiable advantages, but their maturing body gives them improved ST and HT. Teens grow into their adult levels of ST and HT at this age. Along with the physical changes of puberty, the teen’s mind is also developing into its adult form. It is possible that psionic, magical, or super powers manifest at this time.

At this age, the Impulsiveness disadvantage is no longer mandatory, although most teens still have it because their brains haven’t fully matured. Stereotypical disadvantages for teens include Bad Reputation (Irresponsible, Rebellious, Lazy), Bad Temper, Chronic Depression, Compulsions, Gluttony, Gullible, Lecherous, Lover’s Distraction, Obsession (with a particular band, hero or pop star), Odious Personal Habits (Moody, Sullen, Rebellious, Faddish), Skinny, Unattractive Appearance (Gawky, Bad Acne, Fashion Victim). In many cultures, teens are considered adult members of their community. In this case, the character is likely to have disadvantages such as Duty (Employer and/or School) and/or Dependents (Children and/or Spouse). Adult levels of Appearance manifest at this time. In fact, it is possible that some characters have better levels of Appearance as teens than they do as adults. Due to the higher teen-aged metabolism, disadvantages such as Overweight or Fat are rarer among teens.

Children as Characters

Children can be used as player characters or NPCs, but they are limited by their lower ability scores and their required disadvantages. To design a child character, first record the advantages disadvantages and attribute scores for a child of the appropriate age, then customize this “racial template” as you would a normal character. Attributes can be improved and disadvantages can be removed with character points, just as if you were buying off a “racial” level of low attribute or disadvantage. Note that the Youth disadvantage is mandatory for child characters, and cannot be bought off.

As the child ages, the character’s inherent attributes improve, and they lose disadvantages for free. No character points are needed for these changes. If character points were used to buy off a disadvantage inherent to the child “template,” these character points are returned to the player, who can spend them elsewhere. Character points used to improve starting attributes increases the level of the attribute. Character points earned in play are spent as normal, and are “regained” if appropriate, as described above.

For example, a player wants to play a 7-year old street-smart kid. He gets the data for a 7 year old child from the table above (ST 5, DX 9 IQ 9 HT 8/6, Pitiable [5], Sanctity [5], Youth [-22], Inconvenient Size [-10], Impulsive [-10], Gullible [-10]) for a total cost of -127 points. He wishes to improve the child’s DX by 4 (to 13) for a net change of 40 points. He also wishes to buy off the Gullibility disadvantage, for a net change of 10 points. In play, the child ages 1 year to age 8. The child’s natural development would give him an increase in DX (from 9 to 10) and would remove the Gullibility disadvantage. The 10 points spent to buy off the Gullibility disadvantage are returned to the player, who can spend them on other things. The “extra points” freed up by buying off a level of the Youth advantage are lost. The increased attribute score improves the child’s DX from 13 to 14 for free. This is in spite of the fact that it would cost the character 45 points to improve his DX from 10 to 14. The 5 point “savings” can be considered a reward for taking an inherently weak character and staying with it.

Note: Child characters in a Harry Potter campaign should probably not have the Pitiable or Sanctity advantages as a matter of course, especially in a Hogwarts School campaign. In such an environment, neither the students nor the staff have any illusions about the inherent innocence and sweetness of children. Likewise, child characters should not have the Impulsive disadvantage, and should have high levels of IQ for their age. Wizards are inherently above average in their mental development.

Young Characters and Skills

Due to their limited experience, youthful characters can't normally put more than (3 x age) points into skills. (Example: a 12-year-old child could have a maximum of 36 points in skills.) They can't have advantages, disadvantages or skills that a child could not normally be expected to learn. (What is and isn't appropriate is up to the GM.) Unusual skills or levels of skill might be possible, if the GM is willing, to represent child prodigies.

Skills or skill levels that could unbalance the campaign must be balanced by the Unusual Background Advantage.

In some cultures, a child is not considered to be an adult at age 18, or even age 21. In these cases, the extra levels of the youth disadvantage must be added in, though the character might be, in all other ways, an adult.