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--- projects:odds_rpg:systems:power_tiers [2026/02/17 20:30] – created freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:systems:power_tiers [2026/02/17 21:43] (current) – freedomotter
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Power Scaling (Tiers) ======
+====== Power Scaling ======
-ODDS RPG supports long campaigns by using Tiers.
+Power Tiers define the overall capability level of the campaign.
-A Tier is a campaign dial:
+They influence:
-  * Tier 1: Gritty
-  * Tier 2: Heroic
-  * Tier 3: Epic
-You can run a whole campaign at one Tier, or advance across them.
+  * Attribute caps
+  * Starting resources
+  * Enemy expectations
+  * Narrative scope
+Choose a Tier before character creation.
+Do not shift Tiers casually mid-campaign.
 ----
-===== Tier 1: Gritty =====
+===== Tier 1 – Gritty =====
-Tone:
+Theme:
   Survival, danger, limited resources.
-Guidelines:
+Attribute Cap:
-  * Attribute cap: +3
+  +3
-  * Armor caps at 2 (rarely 3)
-  * Healing is slower
-  * Bosses are rare
-Damage:
+Starting Wealth:
-d10 (no bonus) OR 2d10 + Attribute (choose one style)
+  Low (Wealth 1–2 or 250 credits equivalent)
-Best for:
+Enemy Threat:
-  westerns, noir, horror, grounded sci-fi
+  Standard enemies are serious threats.
+  Elite enemies are boss-level dangers.
+Tone:
+  Tactical, cautious, high-risk.
+Recommended for:
+  Horror, survival sci-fi, low fantasy, western.
 ----
-===== Tier 2: Heroic =====
+===== Tier 2 – Heroic =====
-Tone:
+Theme:
-  Action-adventure, competent heroes.
+  Competent professionals, rising legends.
-Guidelines:
+Attribute Cap:
-  * Attribute cap: +4
+  +4
-  * Talents are active
-  * Armor 1–4 exists
-  * Bosses use phases
-Damage:
+Starting Wealth:
-d10 + Attribute
+  Moderate (Wealth 2–3 or 500 credits equivalent)
-Best for:
+Enemy Threat:
-  fantasy, pulp, space opera, cyberpunk
+  Standard enemies are manageable.
+  Elite enemies are dangerous.
+  Bosses are climactic encounters.
+Tone:
+  Cinematic but grounded.
+Recommended for:
+  Space opera, high fantasy, cyberpunk action, pulp adventure.
 ----
-===== Tier 3: Epic =====
+===== Tier 3 – Epic =====
+Theme:
+  Larger-than-life heroes.
+Attribute Cap:
+  +5
+Starting Wealth:
+  High (Wealth 3–4 or 1,000+ credits equivalent)
+Enemy Threat:
+  Minions are minor obstacles.
+  Standard enemies fall quickly.
+  Bosses require phases and scaling.
 Tone:
-  Mythic, cinematic, world-shaking.
+  Mythic, high-powered, dramatic.
-Guidelines:
+Recommended for:
-  * Attribute cap: +5 (only at this tier)
+  Superhero campaigns, mythic fantasy, high-powered sci-fi.
-  * Characters gain “Signature Moves”
-  * Enemies scale by role + tier
-  * Bosses have 2–3 phases minimum
-Damage:
+----
-d10 + Attribute + Tier (Tier adds +3 at Tier 3)
-Boss rule:
+===== Adjusting Between Tiers =====
-  Bosses act twice per round OR gain legendary reactions (GM choice).
-Best for:
+If advancing to a higher Tier:
-  high fantasy, superheroic sci-fi, planar war stories
+  * Increase Attribute cap
+  * Increase Wealth baseline
+  * Adjust enemy expectations
+  * Introduce more complex threats
+Tier shifts should occur at major narrative milestones.
+Avoid mixing Tier expectations within the same arc.
 ----
-===== Signature Moves (Tier 3 Option) =====
+===== Design Guidance =====
-Each character chooses one:
+Tier primarily affects:
-**Impossible Shot**
+  * Maximum Attributes
-  Once per combat, automatically hit at any range.
+  * Narrative stakes
+  * Resource availability
-**Unbreakable**
+Core math remains stable across Tiers.
-  Once per session, ignore all damage from one hit.
-**Mastermind**
+Do not inflate enemy Attack bonuses just because the Tier increases.
-  Once per scene, declare a prepared tool/contact/escape route.
+Instead, use:
+  * More abilities
+  * More coordinated enemies
+  * Multi-phase bosses
+  * Environmental pressure
+Higher Tier should feel broader, not just numerically larger.
+----
-**Arcane Apex**
+ODDS RPG Power Scaling v1.0 Playtest
-  One spell per session costs no Resolve and counts as Strong Success.