This is an old revision of the document!
Table of Contents
Economy & Wealth
ODDS RPG uses an abstract Wealth system.
Characters do not track currency. Instead, they have a Wealth Tier representing lifestyle, access, and purchasing power.
Wealth Tiers
Each character has a Wealth rating from 0 to 4.
| Tier | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Broke | Struggling, debt-ridden, dependent on favors |
| 1 | Modest | Can afford common gear and travel |
| 2 | Comfortable | Access to quality gear and services |
| 3 | Wealthy | Can fund operations and hire specialists |
| 4 | Elite | Major influence, rare item access |
The GM determines starting Wealth based on campaign tone.
Typical starting Wealth:
Gritty campaign → 0–1 Standard campaign → 1–2 Heroic campaign → 2–3
Buying Items
Items are categorized by Wealth Requirement.
| Item Type | Suggested Wealth |
|---|---|
| Everyday gear | 0–1 |
| Quality equipment | 1–2 |
| Military / Enchanted gear | 2–3 |
| Rare / Restricted | 3–4 |
If item requirement is:
Equal to or below your Wealth:
You can acquire it.
Above your Wealth:
Roll 1d20 + Presence (add relevant skill if appropriate) vs TN 15.
On success:
You acquire the item, but choose one:
- Reduce Wealth by 1 until end of session
- Gain an Obligation
- GM introduces narrative complication tied to purchase
On failure:
You cannot acquire it now OR you may still take it but accept two consequences above
Obligations
Obligations represent debt, favors owed, or heat.
Track with boxes:
Obligations: ☐ ☐ ☐
When you gain an Obligation, check one box.
At 3 boxes:
A creditor, rival, or authority appears and demands repayment. The GM introduces a complication scene.
Clear one Obligation by:
- Completing a risky job
- Paying off debt narratively
- Sacrificing an asset
- Accepting a dangerous favor
Group Assets
The party may own shared assets:
- Ship
- Safehouse
- Business
- Vehicle
- Guild Charter
Assets function as narrative advantages.
The GM may:
- Increase Wealth temporarily after major success
- Reduce Wealth if major failure destroys resources
Temporary Wealth Boosts
After major mission success:
The GM may grant:
+1 Wealth for one session OR Access to one item above tier without roll
Temporary boosts represent:
- Bonus pay
- Salvage
- Political favor
- Market surge
They expire at end of session unless made permanent.
Losing Wealth
Wealth may permanently decrease if:
- Major property destroyed
- Massive debt incurred
- Public disgrace affects access
- Campaign event strips status
Wealth should move slowly and reflect story impact.
Design Principle
Wealth is not accounting.
It represents:
Access Reputation Resources Influence
If tracking numbers slows the game, do not do it.
ODDS RPG Economy v1.0