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rules:domains [2025/06/19 23:53] – Ron Helwigrules:domains [2025/06/28 17:19] (current) – Ron Helwig
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 << rules:team_actions ^ rules:start ^ rules:domain_cards:start >> << rules:team_actions ^ rules:start ^ rules:domain_cards:start >>
  
-====== Domains ======+# Domains
  
-Domains are the heart of character customization and advancement. Instead of choosing a class, each character selects two Domains that reflect their specialties, role, or magical nature. Domains define a character's abilities, growth path, and role in the party.+Domains are the heart of character customization and growth.   
 +Instead of choosing a class, each character selects **two Domains** that define their role, style, and magical or martial nature.
  
-===== What is a Domain? ===== +## What Is a Domain?
-A Domain is a themed set of abilities and features. It represents a powerful influence or training that shapes a character’s style. Some Domains are martial (like Warrior or Duelist), others magical (like Sorcerer or Elementalist), and others abstract (like Trickster or Spirit-Touched).+
  
-Each Domain provides: +A **Domain** is a themed set of abilities and features that reflect a powerful influence, training, or innate power.
-  * A **Base Card** – your starting feature and core identity +
-  * A set of **Feature Cards** – additional abilities you choose from +
-  * A **Progression Path** – unique requirements to reach higher tiers+
  
-Characters begin with **two Domains**. This creates endless combinations while keeping early play approachable and easy to manage.+Domains might be:
  
-===== Domain Tiers ===== +- **Martial** – like *Warrior* or *Duelist* 
-Domains are divided into **Tiers**, each representing greater mastery and access to stronger abilities: +- **Magical** – like *Elementalist* or *Sorcerer* 
-  * **Initiate** (Tier 1) – You start here. You gain the base card and 1–2 feature cards. +- **Spiritual or Abstract** – like *Trickster* or *Spirit-Touched*
-  * **Proficient** (Tier 2) – Unlocked by meeting the checklist goals on your base card. +
-  * **Expert** (Tier 3) – Requires multiple accomplishments or significant story progress. +
-  * **Master** (Tier 4, optional) – Legendary-level power, often campaign-specific.+
  
-You can advance each Domain separately. One Domain may reach Tier 3 while another remains at Tier 1.+Each Domain includes:
  
-===== Choosing Features ===== +- A **Base Card** for each tier – your domain's identity 
-When you gain a Domain or reach a new Tier, you select additional feature cards from that Domain’s options. Most Domains have 5–6 feature cards per Tier, but you only choose a couple—so every character build is unique.+- A set of **Feature Cards** – additional powers you choose from 
 +- A **Progression Path** – requirements for unlocking new tiers
  
-Each feature card uses one of your Aspects and typically includes: +It is expected that game masters will add lore appropriate to their campaign setting for each domain, but it isn't required. It might even be better if the player(s) using a domain create their own lore!
-  * An **Action Cost** +
-  * A defined **Effect** or trigger +
-  * A **Spell or Power Type** tag, if applicable (e.g., Arcane, Nature, Divine) +
-  * A spot to write the linked **Aspect value**+
  
-===== Customizing the World ===== +Players begin with **two Domains**, allowing for endless combinations without overwhelming complexity.
-GMs are encouraged to curate which Domains are available. This defines the tone, world lore, and available archetypes for the setting.+
  
-You can: +## Domain Tiers
-  * Restrict Domains to match your world (e.g., no Divine magic in a low-faith setting) +
-  * Create custom Domains to represent local factions or philosophies +
-  * Introduce new Domains as story rewards+
  
-===== Unlocking a Third Domain ===== +Domains are divided into **Tiers**, reflecting your mastery:
-As part of long-term progression, a character may eventually gain access to a **third Domain**. This is a significant milestone, often granted during a Milestone Rest, after major narrative or personal achievement.+
  
-===== More Info ===== +- **Initiate** (Tier 1) – Begin with the Base Card and 2 Feature Cards 
-See [[rules:domain_cards:start]] for full details on Domain cards and how to build them.+- **Proficient** (Tier 2) – New Feature Cards become available and you can have a total of 4 
 +- **Expert** (Tier 3) – More new Feature Cards become available and you can have a total of 7 
 +- **Master** (Tier 4) – Epic-level powers for advanced play - pick 10 cards from the complete set of Domain Feature Cards 
 + 
 +Each tier's Base Card has a list of requirements for advancing to the next tier. You may progress in each Domain independently. For example, one Domain may reach Tier 3 while the other stays at Tier 1. 
 + 
 +## Choosing Features 
 + 
 +When you gain a Domain or level it up, you choose new **Feature Cards** from that Domain’s list. 
 + 
 +Most Domains offer **5–6 Feature Cards per Tier**, but you’ll typically select **only a subset**—ensuring builds stay focused and unique. 
 + 
 +Each Feature Card includes: 
 + 
 +- An **Action Cost** (in Action Load or d4s) 
 +- A clearly defined **Effect** or trigger 
 +- A **Power Tag** (e.g., *Arcane*, *Divine*, *Nature*) 
 +- A line to write in the relevant **Aspect value** (e.g., *Discipline = 6* or *Finesse = 7*) 
 + 
 +## Customizing the World 
 + 
 +GMs are encouraged to curate the available Domains to match the setting. 
 + 
 +Ideas include: 
 + 
 +- **Limiting** Domains by tone or region   
 +  (e.g., no *Divine* Domains in a faithless world) 
 +- **Creating** custom Domains tied to factions, cultures, or philosophies 
 +- **Rewarding** Domains as gifts or story progress 
 + 
 +Domain availability can define much of your world’s flavor and power structure. 
 + 
 +## Unlocking a Third Domain 
 + 
 +With major progress—often tied to story arcs, personal quests, or milestone rests—a character may unlock a **third Domain**. 
 + 
 +This reflects a major transformation or the discovery of new potential, and should feel significant. It might refine the character's progression like subclasses do in some systems, or it might be a complete change of course for the character's journey. 
 + 
 +## Feature Card Terminology 
 + 
 +Any ability-granting card is called a **Feature Card**. This includes: 
 + 
 +- **Domain Cards** 
 +- **Species Cards** 
 +- **Community Cards** 
 +- **Background Cards** 
 +- ...and more 
 + 
 +All Feature Cards follow similar formatting, enabling consistent rules and ease of use. 
 + 
 +## See Also 
 + 
 +- [Domain Cards](./domain_cards:start) – for full Domain listings and templates