splinter-keep/rules/core_mechanics.md

Core Mechanics

Dice

• d6: All rolls use d6.
• Odds: 1d6, 4+ favourable, 3- trouble.
• Traits: 3d6, roll UNDER trait score.

Character

• Traits (STR/DEX/WIL): Roll 3d6 each. Lower is better.
• Max HP: 2d6 + Thing modifier (min 2).
• Starting Cash: 3d6 × 5 silver.
• Damage: 1d6 ± weapon mod ± armour reduction.

Combat (per round ≈10s)

1. State intentions
2. Grit (creatures): 2d6 — higher = more determined
3. Initiative: both 1d6, winner acts first
4. Turn: 1d6 ± mods, 4+ success, 3- take a hit
5. Damage: 1d6 ± mods

Encounter Start

• Distance: 2d6 × 10
• Surprise: 1d6 — 1-2 PC, 3-4 creature, 5 both, 6 neither
• Grit: 2d6

Alternatives to Fighting

• Run off, Dodge & Parry (+1, 4+ move without hit), Parley, Innovate

Exploration

• 6 × 10-min watches per hour
• Each action → roll (odds/traits) → outcome → mark watch
• After 6 watches: scene shifts

Wounds (0 HP)

• 1d6: 1-2 die, 3-4 -1 max HP, 5-6 -1 all rolls until healed

Grit (Creatures/NPCs)

• 2d6, higher = more determined

• grit score → seek exit; ≤ grit score → press attack

Modifiers

Situation	Mod
Favourable / Well-prepared	+1
Risky / Rushed / Poor visibility	-1
Desperate	-2

Darkness

• Most creatures see fine in dark
• PCs without light: -1 actions, increased surprise, slower exploration

Complications ("yes, but...")

• Success costs (gear/time/HP), noise, secondary problem, escalation

Rest & Healing

• Short rest (few hours): 1d6 HP
• Long rest (safe haven): full HP
• Healing salve: +1 HP | Antitoxin: cures poison

End Game Conditions

The story ends when: the character dies, the main quest reaches a definitive conclusion, the player chooses to retire, or all party members have fallen. When the story ends, the LLM outputs ### THE END in the narrative, followed by a reason, what happened, and an epilogue describing how the world evolved. Call read_rules with category: "end_game" for full details on ending the game.