Gaming Rules-design note One Hero Engine

One Hero Engine: Advancement

The advancement draft for One Hero Engine, including level gains, trait progression, capstones, and the current legacy notes.

Advancement and leveling

LevelGains
11 Race Trait, 1 Class Trait, 3 Tags
2Gain 1 Trait
3+1 to a stat
4Gain or upgrade a Trait
5+1 to a stat
6Gain Trait (any source)
7+1 to a stat
8Gain Trait
9+1 to a stat
10Capstone or transformation

The level table above is the clearest current progression structure in the v0.12 draft. It does not define parallel HP growth, MP growth by level, retraining costs, or a full capstone catalogue.

Rules review required: The current source material does not define this procedure consistently.

Trait progression

The current draft advances characters through periodic Trait gains and upgrades:

  • Level 2: Gain 1 Trait
  • Level 4: Gain or upgrade a Trait
  • Level 6: Gain Trait (any source)
  • Level 8: Gain Trait

Attribute progression

The current draft increases attributes at:

  • Level 3
  • Level 5
  • Level 7
  • Level 9

Each increase is +1 to a stat.

Capstones

At Level 10, gain a Capstone or transformation.

Legacy, scars, and conditions

The material below presents examples and labels, not a complete subsystem for gaining, clearing, or advancing these states.

Scars

Permanent drawbacks incurred from trauma or dramatic failure.

Examples:

  • Crippled Arm: Cannot use two-handed weapons.
  • Claustrophobic: Disadvantage in tight spaces.
  • Broken Faith: Unable to benefit from divine powers.

Legacy

Permanent boons earned from acts of heroism or destiny.

Examples:

  • Oracle-Touched: +1 to all Oracle rolls.
  • Ash-Bound Soul: Gain +1 MP per session.
  • Scar of Glory: Forces enemy Morale checks on sight.

Conditions

Temporary effects that impact your hero’s rolls or overall status.

Examples:

  • Poisoned: Disadvantage on CON Saves.
  • Stunned: Lose one action.
  • Weakened: -1 Step on damage rolls.

Retraining

The current published draft does not define a retraining rule.

Rules review required: This procedure is not fully defined in the current published draft.

Trait design guide

Design Traits That Are:

  • Flavorful & Balanced: Support Combat, Roleplay, or Hybrid play.
  • Timed: Passive, 1/session, or Triggered.
  • Evolvable: Adapt as the character levels.
  • Narrative-Fitting: Reflect your hero’s background and style.

Types of Trait Effects:

  • Bonuses to rolls, stats, or saves.
  • Oracle manipulation.
  • Spellcasting enhancements.
  • Movement, reaction, or status effects.

Upgrade Ideas:

  • Add rerolls or extra uses.
  • Increase bonus dice or extra steps.
  • Introduce situational triggers (e.g., “when wounded”).

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Solo Rpg One hero engine Homebrew rules