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--- projects:odds_rpg:gm_guide [2026/02/17 20:23] – created freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:gm_guide [2026/02/17 21:40] (current) – freedomotter
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 ====== GM Guide ======
-===== NPC Templates =====
+ODDS RPG is designed for fast rulings and meaningful consequences.
-Minion:
+Only call for a roll when:
-  Health 5
-  +2 attack
-Standard:
+  * The outcome is uncertain
-  Health 12
+  * Failure has consequences
-  +3 attack
+  * The situation will change
+If nothing meaningful changes, do not roll.
+Make decisions confidently and keep play moving.
+----
+===== Setting Target Numbers =====
+Use this table as your baseline:
+Easy → 8
+Standard → 12
+Challenging → 15
+Hard → 18
+Extreme → 22
+If unsure, default to 12.
+Adjust TN by ±2 when:
+  * Time pressure exists
+  * Environment is unfavorable
+  * Tools or preparation are exceptional
+  * Positioning provides advantage
+Avoid stacking more than ±4 unless the situation is extreme.
+Consistency matters more than precision.
+----
+===== Running Combat Efficiently =====
+Combat should feel tense, not slow.
+At the start of combat:
+  Roll Initiative (1d20 + Agility).
+During combat:
+  * Ask players for intent first.
+  * Then resolve the roll.
+  * Keep turns under 30 seconds when possible.
+Avoid measuring exact distances.
+Use abstract range bands.
+If combat stalls:
+  * Add environmental pressure
+  * Introduce reinforcements
+  * Escalate stakes
+Combat should evolve, not stagnate.
+----
+===== Encounter Balance =====
+Use these as baseline assumptions:
+Balanced Encounter:
+Standard enemy per player
+Hard Encounter:
+Minions per player
+  OR 1 Elite per 2 players
+Boss Encounter:
+Boss for the group
+Adjust using:
+[[projects:odds_rpg:systems:enemy_builder]]
+If uncertain, err slightly lower.
+You can always escalate mid-fight.
+If combat is too easy:
+  * Add reinforcements
+  * Increase aggression
+  * Introduce environmental hazards
+If combat is too hard:
+  * Enemies retreat or shift tactics
+  * Provide escape routes
+  * Change enemy objectives
+Never trap players in unavoidable defeat without narrative purpose.
+----
+===== Using Complications (Natural 1) =====
+A Complication should:
+  * Escalate tension
+  * Introduce a new problem
+  * Change the situation
+Examples:
+Combat:
+  Weapon jams
+  Position exposed
+  Reinforcements alerted
+Social:
+  Insult given
+  Hidden observer overhears
+  Information incomplete
+Exploration:
+  Noise draws attention
+  Resource damaged
+  Time lost
+Complications move the story forward.
+They do not simply negate success.
+----
+===== Handling Failure =====
+Failure should rarely halt progress completely.
+Instead, failure should:
+  * Increase risk
+  * Add time pressure
+  * Consume resources
+  * Reveal a new obstacle
+If success is required for the story to continue:
+  Allow success, but add a consequence.
+Avoid dead ends.
+----
+===== Running Extended Tasks =====
+For hacking, rituals, negotiations, or repairs:
+. Set a Progress Goal (3–10).
+. Define what happens on interruption.
+. Increase tension on failures.
+Each roll should change the situation.
+Do not allow Extended Tasks to feel repetitive.
+----
+===== Awarding Advancement =====
+Use Milestones, not experience math.
+Minor Milestone:
+  Every 2–3 sessions
+Major Milestone:
+  End of significant story arc
+Advancement options include:
+  * Skill increase
+  * Attribute increase
+  * Talent
+  * Wealth adjustment
+  * Narrative Asset
+Tie growth to story impact.
+----
+===== Quick NPC Creation =====
+When you need an NPC immediately:
+Minor NPC:
+  +3 in specialty
+Health
+Standard Threat:
+  +5 attack
+–16 Health
 Elite:
-  Health 20
+  +7 attack
-  +4 attack
++ Health
- ability
+–2 abilities
 Boss:
-  Health 30+
+  +9 attack
-  +5 attack
++ Health
 –3 abilities
-  Armor 2+
-===== Extended Tasks =====
+Refine using:
-Set progress goal (example 5).
+[[projects:odds_rpg:systems:enemy_builder]]
-Each success = 1 progress.
-Strong Success = 2.
-===== Encounter Balance =====
+Keep NPCs simple.
-Balanced: 1 standard per player
+Only build what matters.
-Hard: 2 minions per player
-Boss: One boss per party
+----
+===== Session Structure (Fast Template) =====
+Act 1 – Hook
+  Present problem or opportunity.
+Act 2 – Escalation
+  Complication or opposition appears.
+Act 3 – Confrontation
+  Major conflict or revelation.
+Resolution
+  Consequences and advancement.
+  Seed future hooks.
+Keep scenes purposeful.
+Cut slow moments quickly.
+----
+===== Table Rule Priority =====
+When rules conflict:
+. Fiction first.
+. Clarity over precision.
+. Momentum over perfection.
+If unsure:
+  Make a ruling.
+  Move forward.
+  Adjust between sessions if necessary.
+Consistency builds trust.
+----
+ODDS RPG GM Guide v1.0 Playtest