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Table of Contents
Economy & Wealth
ODDS RPG supports two economy modes.
The GM chooses one at campaign start:
- Abstract Wealth (fast, narrative-driven)
- Detailed Currency (granular, gear-focused)
Both systems are compatible with the rest of ODDS.
Mode 1: Abstract Wealth (Default)
Characters have a Wealth Tier instead of tracking money.
| Tier | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Broke | Struggling, dependent on favors |
| 1 | Modest | Can afford common gear and travel |
| 2 | Comfortable | Access to quality gear |
| 3 | Wealthy | Can fund operations and hire help |
| 4 | Elite | Major influence and rare access |
Buying Items (Abstract)
Each item has a 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 ≤ your Wealth:
You acquire it.
If requirement > your Wealth:
Roll 1d20 + Presence (add relevant skill if appropriate) vs TN 15.
On success:
Acquire item, but choose one:
- Reduce Wealth by 1 until end of session
- Gain an Obligation
- GM introduces complication
On failure:
Cannot acquire now OR accept two consequences above.
Obligations (Abstract Mode)
Track with boxes:
Obligations: ☐ ☐ ☐
At 3 boxes:
A creditor, rival, or authority creates a scene complication.
Clear an Obligation by:
- Completing a job
- Paying debt narratively
- Accepting a dangerous favor
Mode 2: Detailed Currency (Optional)
Instead of Wealth Tiers, track actual money.
Choose a setting-appropriate currency:
Gold, Credits, Dollars, Trade Bars, etc.
Starting Funds
GM determines based on campaign tone.
Suggested starting values:
Low resources → 100 units Standard → 300 units Heroic → 600 units
Item Cost Guidelines
| Item Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic gear | 10–50 |
| Quality weapons/armor | 75–200 |
| Advanced gear | 200–500 |
| Rare / restricted | 500+ |
Adjust for setting.
Earning Money
Minor job → 50–100 Standard mission → 150–300 Major contract → 400–800
Boss-level reward → 1000+
Split evenly unless negotiated.
Lifestyle Costs (Optional)
If tracking realism:
Per session or downtime period:
Poor lifestyle → 10 Modest → 25 Comfortable → 50 Luxury → 100+
Failure to maintain lifestyle may:
- Reduce reputation
- Increase complications
- Trigger debt
This rule is optional.
Hybrid Option (GM Discretion)
You may use:
Abstract Wealth for large purchases Currency for small gear and consumables
Example:
Track ammo and grenades with money. Use Wealth Tier for vehicles or property.
If using hybrid:
Wealth changes slowly. Currency fluctuates normally.
Design Principle
Choose the mode that matches campaign tone.
Use Abstract Wealth if:
You want speed and narrative focus.
Use Detailed Currency if:
You want equipment progression and resource pressure.
Do not let bookkeeping slow the game.
ODDS RPG Economy v1.1