24-System Project State

Last updated: 2026-02-08

Current Focus

Primary work has shifted from guard terminology to system coherence across:

Contested checks use defender average result rounded up as DC.
Difficulty benchmarks were shifted down for a more cinematic baseline.
Legendary resolution is global in skills.md:
- apply all Partial Critical effects
- double numeric values
- Guide may add one cinematic rider
Reactions default to no H requirement.
Reaction anchors must normally be unspent from the acting turn.
Dodge exception finalized:
- normal movement/reposition keeps Dodge available
- Sprint/Leap consumes Dodge until next turn unless a trait overrides

status-effects.md created and integrated (Blind, Prone, Grabbed, Pinned, Restrained, Disoriented, Stunned, Silenced, Incapacitated, Unconscious, Bleeding).
Blindness penalties moved to status system and referenced from combat/skills.
Grapple framework clarified:
- limb parity locks
- speed 0 while locked
- 3 restrained anchors = fully restrained
Stealth procedure clarified in skills.md:
- one check can cover a scene
- NPC awareness ladder: Relaxed -> Alert -> Suspicious -> Aware
- Aware requires misdirection to break
Skill duration system added (Instant, Short, Extended, Scene, Sustained) with per-action durations.
Character creation traits aligned to Advantage Step language and current skill list (including Science).
New defensive override trait added:
- Acrobatic Finesse (can Dodge after Sprint/Leap at +2 DC)

skills.md now serves as the most complete action-resolution source.
movement.md and combat.md now explicitly mirror Dodge availability rules.
charactercreation.md has been normalized to current dice tiers and trait wording.

Sync playtest-facing docs with current rules:
- playtest-packet.md
- playtest-characters.md
Add a short GM quick reference page for:
- contested DC by rank
- awareness ladder
- common status effects
Standardize lingering RHLF/RLHF naming drift across older docs.
Decide if core.md should include a compact global timing/action-economy summary or keep that in skills.md + movement.md.