Open Narrative Dice Rules

Exodus NDS Core Rules

The complete rules engine for building dice pools, reading narrative results, running structured play, and adapting the system to any setting.

Core Rules PDF

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Keep the complete Exodus NDS rules offline for prep, table reference, or printing.

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PDF Play Sheets

Sheet Downloads

Download the current player-facing sheets for printing or digital play.

Character Sheet

Printable character sheets for Exodus NDS players.

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PDF Die Results Sheets

Dice Results Sheet PDF

Printable result reference sheets for resolving symbols quickly at the table.

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Table of Contents

Introduction Introduction The Exodus Narrative Dice System (Exodus NDS) is an open licensed dice resolution framework designed to be adapted to any genre or setting. These core rules define h CH 1: The Dice Chapter OneThe 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 determ CH 2: Character Creation Chapter TwoCharacter Creation Character Creation Character Creation in 6 Steps 1. Choose Species — Default is human. Universes may provide species packages that modify starti CH 3: Building a Dice Pool Chapter ThreeBuilding 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. C CH 4: Skills and Talents Chapter FourSkills and Talents Skills and Talents This chapter defines the default skill list and universal talents available to Exodus NDS characters. Universes may rename, spli CH 5: Resolving Checks Chapter FiveResolving Checks Resolving Checks Assigning Difficulty Before rolling, the GM sets the difficulty of the check by adding negative dice to the pool. Most difficult CH 6: Reading Results Chapter SixReading 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 anythi CH 7: Types of Checks Chapter SevenTypes 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 CH 8: Story Points Chapter EightStory Points Story Points Story Points are a shared narrative resource that flows between the players and the GM, representing shifting momentum, fortune, and dramat CH 9: Structured Play Chapter NineStructured Play Structured Play Exodus NDS distinguishes between narrative play , free form roleplay and low stakes action resolved by simple checks, and structured CH 10: Adversaries Chapter TenAdversaries Adversaries Non player characters and creatures are divided into three tiers reflecting their narrative significance and mechanical complexity. The example CH 11: Vehicles Chapter ElevenVehicles Vehicles Vehicles use the same dice resolution system as characters, with a separate set of characteristics reflecting their physical properties rather tha CH 12: Recovery Chapter TwelveRecovery Recovery Strain recovers quickly during play, while Wounds represent more serious injury and recover more slowly over time. The following are the default r 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 ReferenceDice & Symbols at a Glance Quick Reference: Dice & Symbols The Six Symbols Symbols cancel within their pair. Breakthrough and Calamity effects always trigge 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