Exodus NDS Core Rules

Introduction Introduction Narrative Dice System — Core Rules The Exodus Narrative Dice System (Exodus NDS) is an open licensed dice resolution framework designed to be adapted to any genre CH 1: The Dice The Dice Exodus NDS uses a custom set of polyhedral dice. Each die face shows one or more symbols . At the end of a roll, symbols are read together to determine the outcome of an CH 2: Character Creation Character Creation Character Creation in 6 Steps 1. Choose Species — Default is human. Universes may provide species packages that modify starting characteristics, Wound/Strain CH 3: Building a Dice Pool Building a Dice Pool Every check in Exodus NDS begins by assembling a dice pool, a collection of positive and negative dice rolled together. Characteristics All characters, playe CH 4: Skills and Talents Skills and Talents This chapter defines the default skill list and universal talents available to Exodus NDS characters. Universes may rename, split, remove, restrict, or expand th CH 5: Resolving Checks Resolving Checks Assigning Difficulty Before rolling, the GM sets the difficulty of the check by adding negative dice to the pool. Most difficulty is expressed in Trial Dice CH 6: Reading Results Reading Results Every roll in Exodus NDS produces three layers of information: did the action succeed, what else happened along the way, and did anything exceptional break the scen CH 7: Types of Checks Types of Checks Simple Checks The standard check: a character attempts a task against a fixed difficulty set by the GM. Roll the assembled pool and read the result. Additional Su CH 8: Story Points Story Points Story Points are a shared narrative resource that flows between the players and the GM, representing shifting momentum, fortune, and dramatic pressure. The Pool At t CH 9: Structured Play Structured Play Exodus NDS distinguishes between narrative play , free form roleplay and low stakes action resolved by simple checks, and structured play , used when timing and s CH 10: Adversaries Adversaries Non player characters and creatures are divided into three tiers reflecting their narrative significance and mechanical complexity. The example stat blocks below may in CH 11: Vehicles Vehicles Vehicles use the same dice resolution system as characters, with a separate set of characteristics reflecting their physical properties rather than the operator's. Vehic CH 12: Recovery Recovery Strain recovers quickly during play, while Wounds represent more serious injury and recover more slowly over time. The following are the default recovery rates. Universes Glossary Glossary The following terms are used throughout Exodus NDS and its Universes. Entries are listed alphabetically for quick reference. Ability Die — A positive d8 representing unt Quick Reference Quick Reference: Dice & Symbols The Six Symbols Symbols cancel within their pair. Breakthrough and Calamity effects always trigger , their contributed Success or Failure may sti Legal Notices Legal Notices Legal Notice on Game Mechanics Exodus NDS is developed in accordance with established principles of United States copyright law distinguishing between protected exp ORC License ORC License Exodus NDS Core Rules is published under the ORC License . The ORC License allows you to freely use, adapt, and build upon the Licensed Material defined below, provi