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--- projects:odds_rpg:systems:economy [2026/02/17 20:53] – freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:systems:economy [2026/02/17 21:43] (current) – freedomotter
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Economy & Wealth ======
-ODDS RPG uses an abstract Wealth system.
+ODDS supports two approaches to wealth:
-Characters do not track currency.
+  * Abstract Wealth (narrative-focused)
-Instead, they have a Wealth Tier representing lifestyle, access, and purchasing power.
+  * Concrete Currency (credit-based tracking)
+The GM chooses one method at campaign start.
+Do not mix systems unless intentionally blending genres.
 ----
-===== Wealth Tiers =====
+===== Option 1: Abstract Wealth =====
-Each character has a Wealth rating from 0 to 4.
+Characters have a Wealth Rating from 0 to 5.
-^ Tier ^ Name ^ Description ^
+ – Destitute
-| 0 | Broke | Struggling, debt-ridden, dependent on favors |
+ – Poor
-| 1 | Modest | Can afford common gear and travel |
+ – Modest
-| 2 | Comfortable | Access to quality gear and services |
+ – Comfortable
-| 3 | Wealthy | Can fund operations and hire specialists |
+ – Affluent
-| 4 | Elite | Major influence, rare item access |
+– Wealthy
-The GM determines starting Wealth based on campaign tone.
+Wealth reflects access to gear, contacts, and lifestyle.
-Typical starting Wealth:
+It is not exact currency.
-  Gritty campaign → 0–1
-  Standard campaign → 1–2
-  Heroic campaign → 2–3
 ----
-===== Buying Items =====
+===== Making Purchases (Abstract) =====
-Items are categorized by Wealth Requirement.
+Routine purchases:
+  Automatically succeed if reasonable for your Wealth level.
-^ Item Type ^ Suggested Wealth ^
+Significant purchases:
-| Everyday gear | 0–1 |
+  Roll 1d20 + Wealth against a TN set by the GM.
-| Quality equipment | 1–2 |
-| Military / Enchanted gear | 2–3 |
-| Rare / Restricted | 3–4 |
-If item requirement is:
+Suggested TNs:
-Equal to or below your Wealth:
+Basic Gear → 8
-  You can acquire it.
+Quality Equipment → 12
+Specialized Equipment → 15
-Above your Wealth:
+Rare or Restricted → 18
-  Roll 1d20 + Presence (add relevant skill if appropriate) vs TN 15.
+Legendary or Black Market → 22
 On success:
-  You acquire the item, but choose one:
+  You acquire the item.
-    * Reduce Wealth by 1 until end of session
-    * Gain an Obligation
-    * GM introduces narrative complication tied to purchase
 On failure:
-  You cannot acquire it now
+  You cannot afford it right now.
-  OR you may still take it but accept two consequences above
+  The GM may offer a narrative complication instead.
-----
+On Strong Success:
+  Wealth does not decrease.
-===== Obligations =====
+On failure by 5 or more:
+  Wealth decreases by 1.
-Obligations represent debt, favors owed, or heat.
+Wealth never drops below 0.
-Track with boxes:
+Wealth may increase after major rewards or successful ventures.
-Obligations: ☐ ☐ ☐
+----
-When you gain an Obligation, check one box.
+===== Option 2: Concrete Currency =====
-At 3 boxes:
+Characters track credits, gold, or equivalent currency.
-  A creditor, rival, or authority appears and demands repayment.
-  The GM introduces a complication scene.
-Clear one Obligation by:
+Example starting funds:
+credits (Tier 2 Heroic)
-  * Completing a risky job
+Equipment has fixed costs determined by the GM.
-  * Paying off debt narratively
-  * Sacrificing an asset
-  * Accepting a dangerous favor
-----
+Track purchases normally.
-===== Group Assets =====
+This mode is recommended for:
-The party may own shared assets:
+  * Gritty campaigns
+  * Survival-focused play
+  * Cyberpunk settings
+  * Economic or trade-heavy stories
-  * Ship
+----
-  * Safehouse
-  * Business
-  * Vehicle
-  * Guild Charter
-Assets function as narrative advantages.
+===== Lifestyle & Upkeep =====
-The GM may:
+In Abstract mode:
+  Lifestyle is covered by Wealth rating.
-  * Increase Wealth temporarily after major success
+In Concrete mode:
-  * Reduce Wealth if major failure destroys resources
+  Minor living expenses are ignored unless narratively important.
-----
+The GM may impose periodic upkeep costs for:
-===== Temporary Wealth Boosts =====
+  * Starships
+  * Vehicles
+  * Bases
+  * Cybernetics maintenance
-After major mission success:
+Only track upkeep if it supports the tone of the campaign.
-The GM may grant:
+----
-  +1 Wealth for one session
+===== Salvage & Rewards =====
-  OR
-  Access to one item above tier without roll
-Temporary boosts represent:
+Rewards may grant:
-  * Bonus pay
+  * Wealth increase (Abstract mode)
-  * Salvage
+  * Currency payout (Concrete mode)
-  * Political favor
+  * Assets (labs, vehicles, safehouses)
-  * Market surge
+  * Reputation boosts
-They expire at end of session unless made permanent.
+Wealth increases should be meaningful.
+Avoid frequent +1 increases unless campaign scale supports it.
 ----
-===== Losing Wealth =====
+===== Blended Mode (Optional) =====
-Wealth may permanently decrease if:
+For hybrid campaigns:
-  * Major property destroyed
+  Use Concrete Currency for gear.
-  * Massive debt incurred
+  Use Wealth Rating for influence and lifestyle.
-  * Public disgrace affects access
-  * Campaign event strips status
-Wealth should move slowly and reflect story impact.
+Example:
+  A character may be low on credits but still socially connected.
+Blended mode requires GM discipline to avoid double benefits.
 ----
-===== Design Principle =====
+===== Design Notes =====
+Abstract Wealth:
+  * Fast
+  * Narrative-focused
+  * Low bookkeeping
-Wealth is not accounting.
+Concrete Currency:
+  * Detailed
+  * Tactical
+  * Resource-driven
-It represents:
+Choose the method that reinforces your campaign tone.
-  Access
-  Reputation
-  Resources
-  Influence
-If tracking numbers slows the game, do not do it.
+Switching mid-campaign is possible, but requires recalibration.
 ----
-ODDS RPG Economy v1.0
+ODDS RPG Economy v1.0 Playtest