[mechanical elements]

The last three steps of Character creation guide you through the mechanical elements of your character. These elements are tied directly to the core mechanics of the game and provide detail on what tools your character will have available to them when they are interacting with the world or are faced with a challenge.

Class

A character’s class is a mechanical designation of what archetype that character falls within. Classes are just that, archetypes. They are merely a tool for everyone at the table to serve as the foundation of a character’s ability in relation to the mechanics of the game. As such, when a Player chooses a Class or archetype, they are not pigeonholed or otherwise limited to the specifics detailed in a Class description. Any being in the world of Echelon is capable of holding and using a sword or bow and can attempt to affect some magical capability. A character’s Class only determines how much more effective that character is based on specific training in an area. Classes can be found in the Character Classes section of the book following Character Creation.

Core Stats

There are six Core Stats that portray a character’s ability to perform with an attribute. Strength [STR], Agility [AGI], Vitality [VIT], Intelligence [INT], Dexterity [DEX], Charisma [CHA]. Core Stats may be progressed at level advancement and determine the base tiers for Skills. In Character Creation, when a Core Stat rises in Tier through Level advancement so does the base tier of the attributed Skills to that stat. After Character Creation is complete, Players must expend Experience Points to improve each stat individually. Core Stats are used when a character performs an Attack, Defense, and casts a spell or uses an ability with a special rule.
During Character Creation, a character may only train in the Core Stats and Skills prescribed by their class, regardless of what level they start. Each of the prescribed Stats and Skills are a highlight on the attributes that class excels in.

Core Stat Descriptions

Strength

A character’s Strength Tier is a measure of how physically strong that character is. A strength score determines base tier ratings for the Contest, Fitness, and Brawn skills. Strength scores also determines which equipment a character is competent with and at higher levels their expertise in all armor.

Strength Scores

• T1 STR = Unarmored / Unarmed
• T2 STR = Light Equipment
• T3 STR = Medium Equipment
• T4 STR = Heavy Equipment
• T5 STR = Equipment Rating Bonus [+1]

Agility

A character’s Agility Tier is a measure of how nimble that character is. An agility score determines base tier ratings for Lithe, Fleet, and Vigilance skills. Agility scores also determine the speed at which a character can move when using a Move Action. Each rank in Agility confers five feet of Movement Speed.

Movement Speed [1 Tier = 5ft movement]

• T1 = 25ft [Min]
• T2 = 25ft
• T3 = 30ft
• T4 = 30ft
• T5 = 35ft
• T6 = 40ft [Max]

Vitality

A character’s Vitality Tier is a measure of how resilient that character is. A vitality score determines base tier ratings for Survival, Immune, and Savvy skills. Vitality also determines the total Hit Point value a character has, which is a representation of how much physical damage a character may sustain before succumbing to their wounds. Additionally, vitality also determines a character’s Recovery Rating, which is a representation of how well a character may recuperate during a Resting Scene.

Health Points

Health Point Totals are determined through a combination of a character's Vitality Tier plus relevant bonuses provided by abilities, buffs or equipment. Hit Points are a pool of points that reduce in total as Damage (DMG) is received. When a character falls to zero (0) Hit Points they succumb to their damages and become unconscious. The table below is a guide to determining Hit Point values.

• T1 = 3
• T2 = 5
• T3 = 7
• T4 = 9
• T5 = 11

Physical Recovery Rating

A character's Physical Recovery Rating determines how well their bodies recover from the physical harms of adventuring. During a Resting Scene, a player may choose the option to recover Hit Points without the aid of a professional or otherwise trained healer. The Physical Recovery Rating is determined by the VIT Tier rank. When you choose to recover Hit Points in a Resting Scene the character rolls the die associated to their VIT Tier to gain Hit Points equal to the total rolled divided by 2.

Intelligence

A character’s Intelligence Tier is a measure of how analytical that character is. An intelligence score determines base tier ratings for Resolve, Investigation, and History skills. Intelligence also determines a character’s total Stress Threshold, which is a representation of how much mental stress a character may sustain before falling unconscious. Additionally, intelligence also determines a character’s Respite Rating, which is a representation of how well a character may relieve stress during a Resting Scene.

Resolve Threshold

Resolve Threshold is determined through a combination of a character’s Intelligence Tier plus relevant bonuses provided by abilities, buffs or equipment. The Resolve Threshold is a pool of points that reduce to zero (0) as psychological stress (STRESS) occurs. When a character depletes their Stress Threshold they succumb to the mental stressors and become unconscious. The table below is a guide to determining Stress Thresholds.

• T1 = 6
• T2 = 10
• T3 = 14
• T4 = 18
• T5 = 22

Mental Recovery Rating

A character's Mental Recovery Rating determines how well their minds recover from the psychological stressors of adventuring. During a Resting Scene, a player may choose the option to relieve their Stress Threshold without the aid of a consumable or otherwise destressing activity. The Recovery Rating is determined by the INT Tier rank. When you choose to reduce your Stress Threshold in a Resting Scene the character rolls the
die associated to their INT Tier and reduces their Stress Threshold equal to the total rolled.

Dexterity

A character’s Dexterity Tier is a measure of how industrious that character is. A dexterity score determines base tier ratings for Deft, Expertise, and Craft skills. Dexterity also determines a character’s ability to wield a tool set competently, as well as their capability to craft usable items with a tool set.

Crafting Tools

Throughout the campaign, players may find themselves far off from the nearest general store to procure necessary items for their journey or be in a general store and have difficulty finding the right item. In those cases, characters may attempt to craft an object on their own. More rules covered in the Crafting Mechanics section.

Charisma

A character’s Charisma Tier is a measure of how much presence that character commands. A charisma score determines base tier ratings for Coordination, Diplomacy, and Negotiation skills. Charisma also determines the rating of a character’s relationship with NPCs and organizations.

Making Friends

Once per session when a player chooses to assist in a Challenge that includes Charisma against a non‐hostile target they may choose to roll a percentile die instead of adding their challenge roll to the result. If the Challenge is successful the percentile roll gets added to an accumulative pool. If the Challenge is unsuccessful it is subtracted from that accumulative pool. At a positive score of 100% the target becomes an Ally.
At a negative score of ‐100% the target becomes an Adversary. See rules for Allies and Adversaries.