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--- projects:odds_rpg:systems:economy [2026/02/17 20:29] – created freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:systems:economy [2026/02/17 21:43] (current) – freedomotter
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Economy & Wealth ======
-ODDS RPG supports two styles:
+ODDS supports two approaches to wealth:
-  * **Wealth Tiers** (recommended) for fast play
-  * **Currency** (optional) for gear-heavy campaigns
+  * Abstract Wealth (narrative-focused)
+  * Concrete Currency (credit-based tracking)
+The GM chooses one method at campaign start.
+Do not mix systems unless intentionally blending genres.
 ----
-===== Wealth Tiers (Recommended) =====
+===== Option 1: Abstract Wealth =====
-Your Wealth is a single rating from 0–4.
+Characters have a Wealth Rating from 0 to 5.
-^ Tier ^ Name ^ What it means ^
+ – Destitute
-| 0 | Broke | You scrape by, barter, owe favors |
+ – Poor
-| 1 | Modest | You can afford common gear & travel |
+ – Modest
-| 2 | Comfortable | You can buy quality gear, maintain a vehicle |
+ – Comfortable
-| 3 | Wealthy | You can fund operations, hire help |
+ – Affluent
-| 4 | Elite | You can influence markets, institutions |
+– Wealthy
+Wealth reflects access to gear, contacts, and lifestyle.
+It is not exact currency.
 ----
-===== Buying Things =====
+===== Making Purchases (Abstract) =====
-If the item is **at or below** your Wealth tier:
+Routine purchases:
-  You get it.
+  Automatically succeed if reasonable for your Wealth level.
-If the item is **above** your tier:
+Significant purchases:
-  Roll 1d20 + Presence + (Contacts/Streetwise/Business skill if relevant) vs TN 15.
+  Roll 1d20 + Wealth against a TN set by the GM.
+Suggested TNs:
+Basic Gear → 8
+Quality Equipment → 12
+Specialized Equipment → 15
+Rare or Restricted → 18
+Legendary or Black Market → 22
 On success:
-  You acquire it, but choose one:
+  You acquire the item.
-    * Debt: Gain 1 Obligation
-    * Burn: Reduce Wealth by 1 until end of session
-    * Heat: GM adds a complication tied to the purchase
 On failure:
-  You can’t get it right now, OR you can still get it but take **two** consequences above.
+  You cannot afford it right now.
+  The GM may offer a narrative complication instead.
+On Strong Success:
+  Wealth does not decrease.
+On failure by 5 or more:
+  Wealth decreases by 1.
+Wealth never drops below 0.
+Wealth may increase after major rewards or successful ventures.
 ----
-===== Rarity Bands =====
+===== Option 2: Concrete Currency =====
-^ Rarity ^ Suggested Wealth ^
+Characters track credits, gold, or equivalent currency.
-| Common | 1 |
-| Uncommon | 2 |
-| Rare | 3 |
-| Legendary | 4 |
-Examples by genre:
+Example starting funds:
-  * Fantasy: Rare = enchanted weapons, elite mounts
+credits (Tier 2 Heroic)
-  * Sci-fi: Rare = military-grade tech, restricted cyberware
-  * Western: Rare = Gatling gun access, railroad contracts
+Equipment has fixed costs determined by the GM.
+Track purchases normally.
+This mode is recommended for:
+  * Gritty campaigns
+  * Survival-focused play
+  * Cyberpunk settings
+  * Economic or trade-heavy stories
 ----
-===== Loot & Rewards =====
+===== Lifestyle & Upkeep =====
-When the party completes a major job:
+In Abstract mode:
-  * Increase party Wealth by 1 step for the next session (temporary)
+  Lifestyle is covered by Wealth rating.
-  OR
-  * One character increases Wealth permanently (GM choice)
+In Concrete mode:
-  OR
+  Minor living expenses are ignored unless narratively important.
-  * Gain a permanent asset (safehouse, ship upgrade, patron)
+The GM may impose periodic upkeep costs for:
+  * Starships
+  * Vehicles
+  * Bases
+  * Cybernetics maintenance
+Only track upkeep if it supports the tone of the campaign.
 ----
-===== Obligations (Simple Debts) =====
+===== Salvage & Rewards =====
-Track Obligations as boxes: ☐ ☐ ☐
+Rewards may grant:
-When you take Debt, check a box.
+  * Wealth increase (Abstract mode)
-At 3 boxes:
+  * Currency payout (Concrete mode)
-  A creditor, rival, or authority shows up to collect (GM creates a scene).
+  * Assets (labs, vehicles, safehouses)
+  * Reputation boosts
+Wealth increases should be meaningful.
+Avoid frequent +1 increases unless campaign scale supports it.
+----
+===== Blended Mode (Optional) =====
+For hybrid campaigns:
+  Use Concrete Currency for gear.
+  Use Wealth Rating for influence and lifestyle.
+Example:
+  A character may be low on credits but still socially connected.
+Blended mode requires GM discipline to avoid double benefits.
+----
+===== Design Notes =====
+Abstract Wealth:
+  * Fast
+  * Narrative-focused
+  * Low bookkeeping
+Concrete Currency:
+  * Detailed
+  * Tactical
+  * Resource-driven
+Choose the method that reinforces your campaign tone.
+Switching mid-campaign is possible, but requires recalibration.
+----
-Clear one box by:
+ODDS RPG Economy v1.0 Playtest
-  * Paying it off (job, cash, favor)
-  * Taking a dangerous deal
-  * Burning a relationship (lose a contact)