====== Power Scaling ======

Power Tiers define the overall capability level of the campaign.

They influence:

  * Attribute caps
  * Starting resources
  * Enemy expectations
  * Narrative scope

Choose a Tier before character creation.

Do not shift Tiers casually mid-campaign.

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===== Tier 1 – Gritty =====

Theme:
  Survival, danger, limited resources.

Attribute Cap:
  +3

Starting Wealth:
  Low (Wealth 1–2 or 250 credits equivalent)

Enemy Threat:
  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.

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===== Tier 2 – Heroic =====

Theme:
  Competent professionals, rising legends.

Attribute Cap:
  +4

Starting Wealth:
  Moderate (Wealth 2–3 or 500 credits equivalent)

Enemy Threat:
  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.

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===== 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, high-powered, dramatic.

Recommended for:
  Superhero campaigns, mythic fantasy, high-powered sci-fi.

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===== Adjusting Between Tiers =====

If advancing to a higher Tier:

  * 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.

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===== Design Guidance =====

Tier primarily affects:

  * Maximum Attributes
  * Narrative stakes
  * Resource availability

Core math remains stable across Tiers.

Do not inflate enemy Attack bonuses just because the Tier increases.
Instead, use:

  * More abilities
  * More coordinated enemies
  * Multi-phase bosses
  * Environmental pressure

Higher Tier should feel broader, not just numerically larger.

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ODDS RPG Power Scaling v1.0 Playtest