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--- projects:odds_rpg:systems:hero_points [2026/02/17 21:01] – freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:systems:hero_points [2026/02/17 21:41] (current) – freedomotter
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Hero Points ======
-Hero Points represent luck, narrative control, and heroic resilience.
+Hero Points represent momentum, luck, and narrative focus.
-They give players limited influence over outcomes without breaking balance.
+They allow characters to push beyond normal limits in critical moments.
+Hero Points are optional but recommended for cinematic play.
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@@ Line 9: / Line 11: @@
 ===== Starting Hero Points =====
-Each character begins every session with:
+Each character begins a session with:
  Hero Points
-Maximum Hero Points a character may hold:
+Maximum Hero Points:
-Unused Hero Points do not carry over between sessions unless the GM allows it.
+Unused Hero Points do not carry over unless the GM allows it.
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 ===== Spending Hero Points =====
-A Hero Point may be spent to:
+You may spend 1 Hero Point to:
-  * Reroll a d20 (take the new result)
+  * Reroll any one d20 roll (keep the new result)
   * Add +5 to a roll after seeing the result
-  * Avoid being reduced below 1 Health (once per scene)
+  * Act immediately after another character
-  * Remove one Condition immediately
+  * Reduce incoming damage by 5
-  * Introduce a minor narrative detail (GM approval)
+  * Remove one Condition
-A Hero Point may only affect your own roll unless a Talent allows otherwise.
+You may only spend 1 Hero Point per roll unless the GM allows otherwise.
-----
+Hero Points must be declared immediately after the triggering roll or event.
-===== Narrative Detail Rule =====
-When introducing a narrative detail, it must be:
-  * Reasonable
-  * Small in scope
-  * Not invalidate established fiction
-Examples:
-  * “There’s a fire extinguisher nearby.”
-  * “I know someone in this district.”
-  * “There’s a loose cable I can grab.”
-The GM has final say.
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-===== Earning Hero Points =====
+===== Gaining Hero Points =====
-The GM may award Hero Points for:
+The GM may award a Hero Point when a player:
-  * Strong roleplay moments
+  * Takes a meaningful risk
-  * Clever problem solving
+  * Acts in line with their Background Trait
-  * Accepting major complications
+  * Accepts a Complication
-  * Advancing personal character goals
+  * Advances the story in an interesting way
-  * Major story milestones
+  * Suffers a significant setback
-Typical rate:
+Hero Points reward bold, story-driven play.
-–2 per session earned.
-Do not over-award.
+Avoid giving them for routine success.
-Hero Points should feel valuable.
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-===== Using Hero Points in Combat =====
+===== Complication Exchange =====
-Common uses:
+A player may voluntarily accept a Complication in exchange for 1 Hero Point.
-  * Turn a near miss into a hit
+The Complication must:
-  * Avoid being downed
-  * Push for a Strong Success
-  * Remove Stunned or Restrained condition
-Hero Points cannot:
+  * Change the situation
+  * Introduce a new problem
+  * Escalate tension
-  * Force automatic critical success
+The GM has final approval.
-  * Ignore all damage without limit
-  * Override GM rulings entirely
-They enhance momentum, not replace risk.
+This option keeps failure dynamic and player-driven.
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-===== GM Hero Points (Optional Rule) =====
+===== Heroic Recovery =====
-The GM may hold a small pool equal to the number of players.
+A character who is Downed may spend 1 Hero Point to:
-GM may spend a Hero Point to:
+  Immediately regain 5 Health
+  OR immediately stand and act
-  * Reroll an enemy attack
+This may only be used once per scene.
-  * Activate a boss ability early
-  * Introduce a sudden complication
-If used, announce clearly.
+Heroic Recovery represents dramatic resilience, not immortality.
-Do not overuse.
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-===== Design Intent =====
+===== Design Notes =====
 Hero Points:
-  * Encourage cinematic moments
+  * Encourage bold action
-  * Reduce frustration from bad rolls
+  * Soften extreme dice swings
-  * Reward engagement
+  * Support small parties
-  * Preserve tension
+  * Create cinematic pacing
+If play feels too safe:
+  Reduce starting Hero Points to 2.
-If the table prefers higher risk:
+If play feels too lethal:
-  Start each session with only 1 Hero Point.
+  Increase starting Hero Points to 4.
-If the table prefers cinematic tone:
+Adjust between sessions, not mid-session.
-  Start with 3.
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-ODDS RPG Hero Points v1.0
+ODDS RPG Hero Points v1.0 Playtest