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--- projects:odds_rpg:systems:talents [2026/02/17 21:02] – freedomotter
+++ projects:odds_rpg:systems:talents [2026/02/17 21:42] (current) – freedomotter
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 ====== Talents ======
-Talents represent specialized training, tricks, or unique advantages.
+Talents represent specialized training, natural gifts, or unique abilities.
-They provide mechanical differentiation without overcomplicating play.
+They distinguish characters beyond Attributes and Skills.
-----
+Talents should feel impactful without adding excessive complexity.
-===== Gaining Talents =====
+Characters typically gain:
-Characters gain:
+  * 1 Talent at character creation
+  * 1 additional Talent at major milestones
-Talent every 2 Major Milestones
+The GM may adjust frequency based on campaign style.
-The GM may also grant a Talent as a special story reward.
+----
-There is no strict maximum, but 5–8 Talents is typical in long campaigns.
+===== Talent Design Principles =====
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+Talents should:
-===== Talent Rules =====
-  * A Talent may not be taken twice unless stated.
+  * Be easy to remember
-  * If a Talent modifies damage, it does not stack with another damage-modifying Talent unless specified.
+  * Modify existing mechanics rather than create new subsystems
-  * GM approval required for custom Talents.
+  * Reinforce character identity
+  * Avoid stacking excessively
-Talents should enhance style, not create rule loopholes.
+Unless stated otherwise:
+  A Talent may only be selected once.
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 ===== Combat Talents =====
-Deadly Strike
+Power Attack
-  Once per combat, add +3 to damage.
+  When you hit in melee, you may take -2 to your attack roll to add +5 to damage.
-Precision Attacker
+Sharpshooter
-  +2 to hit when you have Advantage.
+  Ignore up to 2 points of cover penalty.
-Defensive Stance
+Duelist
-  As a Minor Action, gain +2 Defense until your next turn.
+  Gain +1 Defense when fighting a single opponent in melee.
-Opportunist
+Tactician
-  When an enemy misses you in melee, gain +2 to your next attack against them.
+  Allies within Close range gain +1 Initiative.
-Relentless
+Brutal Finisher
-  If you reduce an enemy to 0 Health, gain +2 to your next attack roll.
+  When you drop an enemy to 0 Health, you may immediately move.
-Heavy Hitter
-  Ignore 2 points of Armor.
-Quick Draw
-  Drawing a weapon is free and you gain +2 Initiative.
-Battle Hardened
-  Gain +2 Resolve.
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 Expert
-  Choose one skill. Gain +1 (may exceed normal cap by 1).
+  Choose one Skill. Gain +2 when using it.
 Jack of All Trades
-  Gain +1 to all untrained skills.
+  Untrained Skills count as +1 instead of +0.
-Silver Tongue
+Quick Thinker
-  Once per scene, reroll a failed Presence-based roll.
+  Gain Advantage on Initiative once per scene.
-Analyst
+Careful Operator
-  Once per scene, ask the GM one tactical question and receive a truthful answer.
+  When performing an Extended Task, your first failure does not trigger a complication.
-Field Medic
+Insightful
-  When stabilizing a Downed ally, restore 1d10 Health.
+  Gain +2 on rolls to detect deception or hidden motives.
-Shadow Step
-  Gain Advantage on one Stealth roll per scene.
-Tech Savvy
-  Reduce Extended Task goal by 1 when using technology.
 ----
-===== Survival & Durability Talents =====
+===== Defensive Talents =====
 Iron Will
-  Gain +2 to resist Resolve damage.
+  Gain +2 to resist Resolve damage effects.
 Tough
-  Gain +5 maximum Health.
+  Increase maximum Health by 5.
+Evasive
+  Once per round, you may impose Disadvantage on one attack against you.
 Second Wind
-  Once per session, recover 1d20 Health as an Action.
+  Once per scene, regain 5 Health as a Minor Action.
-Unyielding
+Unbreakable
   When reduced to 0 Health, remain standing until end of your next turn.
-Resilient
-  Remove one Condition as a Minor Action once per combat.
 ----
-===== Tactical Talents =====
+===== Utility Talents =====
-Team Leader
+Inspiring
-  Once per scene, grant an ally +2 to a roll.
+  Once per scene, grant an ally Advantage.
-Coordinated Strike
+Resourceful
-  When flanking, gain +3 instead of +2.
+  Once per session, declare you have a useful tool on hand.
-Suppressing Fire
+Connected
-  On ranged hit, target must roll TN 12 Resolve or lose next Minor Action.
+  Gain +2 when interacting with factions you have positive Reputation with.
-Zone Control
+Linguist
-  Enemies disengaging from you suffer -2 to Defense until end of next turn.
+  You can communicate in nearly any spoken language after brief exposure.
-Prepared
+Lucky
-  Once per session, declare you brought a useful mundane item.
+  Once per session, reroll any die (including damage).
 ----
-===== Talent Design Guidelines =====
+===== Creating New Talents =====
-When creating new Talents:
+When designing new Talents:
-  * Keep bonuses between +1 and +3.
+  * Avoid flat bonuses above +2
-  * Avoid permanent stacking damage bonuses.
+  * Avoid stacking multiple damage boosts
-  * Avoid rewriting core mechanics.
+  * Avoid abilities that negate core risks
-  * Focus on situational advantages.
+  * Tie Talents to tone and genre
-Talents should add flavor and tactical options without overwhelming simplicity.
+If uncertain, compare to existing Talents for balance.
-----
-Talents define style more than raw power.
+Talents should feel meaningful but not mandatory.
-Choose options that reinforce your character concept.
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-ODDS RPG Talents v1.0
+ODDS RPG Talents v1.0 Playtest