GM Guide

ODDS RPG is designed for fast rulings and meaningful consequences.

Only call for a roll when:

• The outcome is uncertain
• Failure has consequences
• The situation will change

If nothing meaningful changes, do not roll.

Make decisions confidently and keep play moving.

Use this table as your baseline:

Easy → 8 Standard → 12 Challenging → 15 Hard → 18 Extreme → 22

If unsure, default to 12.

Adjust TN by ±2 when:

• Time pressure exists
• Environment is unfavorable
• Tools or preparation are exceptional
• Positioning provides advantage

Avoid stacking more than ±4 unless the situation is extreme.

Consistency matters more than precision.

Combat should feel tense, not slow.

At the start of combat:

Roll Initiative (1d20 + Agility).

During combat:

• Ask players for intent first.
• Then resolve the roll.
• Keep turns under 30 seconds when possible.

Avoid measuring exact distances. Use abstract range bands.

If combat stalls:

• Add environmental pressure
• Introduce reinforcements
• Escalate stakes

Combat should evolve, not stagnate.

Use these as baseline assumptions:

Balanced Encounter:

1 Standard enemy per player

Hard Encounter:

2 Minions per player
OR 1 Elite per 2 players

Boss Encounter:

1 Boss for the group

Adjust using: enemy_builder

If uncertain, err slightly lower. You can always escalate mid-fight.

If combat is too easy:

• Add reinforcements
• Increase aggression
• Introduce environmental hazards

If combat is too hard:

• Enemies retreat or shift tactics
• Provide escape routes
• Change enemy objectives

Never trap players in unavoidable defeat without narrative purpose.

A Complication should:

• Escalate tension
• Introduce a new problem
• Change the situation

Examples:

Combat:

Weapon jams
Position exposed
Reinforcements alerted

Social:

Insult given
Hidden observer overhears
Information incomplete

Exploration:

Noise draws attention
Resource damaged
Time lost

Complications move the story forward. They do not simply negate success.

Failure should rarely halt progress completely.

Instead, failure should:

• Increase risk
• Add time pressure
• Consume resources
• Reveal a new obstacle

If success is required for the story to continue:

Allow success, but add a consequence.

Avoid dead ends.

For hacking, rituals, negotiations, or repairs:

1. Set a Progress Goal (3–10).
2. Define what happens on interruption.
3. Increase tension on failures.

Each roll should change the situation.

Do not allow Extended Tasks to feel repetitive.

Use Milestones, not experience math.

Minor Milestone:

Every 2–3 sessions

Major Milestone:

End of significant story arc

Advancement options include:

• Skill increase
• Attribute increase
• Talent
• Wealth adjustment
• Narrative Asset

Tie growth to story impact.

When you need an NPC immediately:

Minor NPC:

+3 in specialty
8 Health

Standard Threat:

+5 attack
12–16 Health

Elite:

+7 attack
20+ Health
1–2 abilities

Boss:

+9 attack
30+ Health
2–3 abilities

Refine using: enemy_builder

Keep NPCs simple. Only build what matters.

Act 1 – Hook

Present problem or opportunity.

Act 2 – Escalation

Complication or opposition appears.

Act 3 – Confrontation

Major conflict or revelation.

Resolution

Consequences and advancement.
Seed future hooks.

Keep scenes purposeful. Cut slow moments quickly.

When rules conflict:

1. Fiction first.
2. Clarity over precision.
3. Momentum over perfection.

If unsure:

Make a ruling.
Move forward.
Adjust between sessions if necessary.

Consistency builds trust.

ODDS RPG GM Guide v1.0 Playtest