Welcome to ODDS RPG.

You are building a competent but mortal hero in a flexible, genre-neutral system.

The GM may choose one of two character creation methods:

• Standard Custom Build
• Archetype Skill Package (optional, faster setup)

Both methods are fully compatible.

Describe:

• Who are you?
• What role do you serve?
• What makes you capable?
• What makes you vulnerable?

Examples:

Space Smuggler
Arcane Scholar
Outlaw Gunslinger
Street Hacker
Monster Hunter
Ex-Soldier
Noble Diplomat

Your concept should guide your skill and attribute choices.

Assign:

+2
+2
+1
+0

To:

• Might
• Agility
• Mind
• Presence

Attribute cap depends on campaign Tier.

Choose:

6 skills at +2
4 skills at +1

All other skills default to 0.

Skill examples (customize per setting):

Combat Shooting Stealth Survival Investigation Medicine Arcana Hacking Engineering Piloting Streetwise Persuasion Athletics Perception

The GM may approve new skills fitting the genre.

The GM may allow Archetype Packages for faster creation.

With this method:

• You still assign Attributes normally.
• Instead of freely choosing skills, select one package below.
• You may adjust one +2 skill to a different appropriate skill with GM approval.

Each package grants:

4 skills at +2
4 skills at +1

+2: Combat, Athletics, Survival, Intimidation +1: Perception, Tactics, Endurance, Riding/Piloting

Best for:

Soldiers, knights, mercenaries, bounty hunters.

+2: Stealth, Investigation, Perception, Acrobatics +1: Combat, Streetwise, Survival, Deception

Best for:

Rogues, scouts, spies, infiltrators.

+2: Investigation, Arcana/Science, Medicine, History +1: Persuasion, Perception, Engineering, Insight

Best for:

Wizards, scientists, researchers, occultists.

+2: Shooting, Piloting/Driving, Engineering, Awareness +1: Combat, Survival, Streetwise, Hacking

Best for:

Space pilots, drivers, tech operatives, smugglers.

+2: Persuasion, Deception, Insight, Leadership +1: Investigation, Streetwise, Perception, Etiquette

Best for:

Nobles, diplomats, fixers, politicians.

Create a custom package with GM approval:

4 skills at +2
4 skills at +1

Health = 10 + Might Resolve = 10 + Presence

Defense TN = 12 (modified by cover and abilities)

Choose one defining Trait.

Examples:

Former Soldier Guild Member Arcane Initiate Cybernetic Implant Noble Lineage Street Survivor Veteran Pilot

Once per session:

Gain Advantage on one roll directly tied to your Trait.

Traits are narrative tools first, mechanical bonuses second.

Start with gear appropriate to your concept and Wealth level.

Typical starting gear includes:

• Primary weapon
• Secondary weapon or tool
• Armor (light or medium)
• Basic survival gear
• 1 personal item of significance

The GM determines Wealth tier at campaign start.

Attack:

1d20 + Attribute + Combat Skill

On hit:

2d10 + relevant Attribute

Armor reduces incoming damage.

Positioning matters:

• Cover grants Defense bonuses
• Flanking grants +2 to hit
• High ground grants +1

See: core

Resolve represents morale and mental stability.

At 0 Resolve:

You are Broken:
  * Cannot initiate aggression
  * Must withdraw, surrender, or freeze
  * Recover after scene or meaningful support

After major milestones, choose one:

• Increase one Skill by +1
• Increase one Attribute by +1 (respect tier cap)
• Gain one Talent
• Gain a narrative Asset (contact, safehouse, vehicle, reputation)

Talents are found in: talents

Advancement should reflect story growth, not only combat success.

For one-shot sessions, the GM may:

• Assign Attribute array directly
• Use Archetype Package
• Grant 1 Talent immediately

This allows play to begin within minutes.

ODDS RPG Player Guide v1.0