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Effectiveness Scoring System

In The Retrospectre, characters’ effectiveness is measured by an overarching world dynamic called the “Effectiveness Score.” This score rates how proficient and successful they are in their chosen path. There are nine total levels in the Effectiveness Scoring System, with most normal people starting at level three. The higher the level, the more successful and influential the character becomes.

As characters progress through the Effectiveness Scoring System, they gain access to a wide range of benefits that reflect their growing influence and reputation in the world of The Retrospectre. These benefits include increased access to resources, financial support, exclusive opportunities, invitations to prestigious events, and the ability to have certain criminal charges overlooked by law enforcement. However, along with these benefits come greater responsibilities, expectations, and potential consequences for their actions. The world reacts to characters’ effectiveness levels, shaping the narrative and gameplay as they climb the ladder of success in this morally gray and corrupt society.

Here’s a breakdown of the levels and how players can elevate themselves:

Level 1: Novice

  • Characters are just starting their journey and lack significant skills or resources.
  • Low net worth, limited social network, and minimal accomplishments.
  • Engage in small tasks and jobs to gain experience and connections.
  • Benefits:
    • Access to basic gear and weapons suitable for low-level missions.
    • Gain recognition among low-level factions and street gangs.
    • Eligible for small-time gigs and missions.

Level 2: Emerging

  • Characters are gaining traction in their chosen field but are still relatively inexperienced.
  • Modest net worth, growing social connections, and some notable accomplishments.
  • Start taking on more significant challenges and forming alliances.
  • Benefits:
    • Receive occasional sponsorship stipends from minor corporations or benefactors.
    • Small criminal charges may be overlooked by lower-tier law enforcement.
    • Gain access to more exclusive gear and weapons.

Level 3: Established

  • Characters are considered average and have found their place in the world.
  • Moderate net worth, a respectable social network, and a track record of accomplishments.
  • Set ambitious goals and build a reputation in their chosen profession or faction.
  • Benefits:
    • Invitations to small-scale faction events and gatherings.
    • Access to more lucrative jobs and contracts.
    • Eligible for some municipal resources and services.

Level 4: Proficient

  • Characters have become skilled in their chosen path and stand out among peers.
  • Above-average net worth, strong social connections, and a history of successful missions or campaigns.
  • Tackle more complex challenges and make a name for themselves in their faction or field.
  • Benefits:
    • Gain notoriety among local factions and gain respect from lower-ranked members.
    • Receive occasional sponsorship stipends from moderate-sized corporations or influential individuals.
    • Access to high-quality gear, weapons, and tools.

Level 5: Distinguished

  • Characters are widely recognized for their talents and accomplishments.
  • Considerable net worth, influential social network, and a history of major successes.
  • Take on leadership roles and gain the respect of powerful figures.
  • Benefits:
    • Invitations to exclusive galas, events, and private meetings hosted by major corporations and influential figures.
    • Small criminal charges may be overlooked by higher-tier law enforcement.
    • Access to higher tiers of financial credit and exclusive investment opportunities.

Level 6: Renowned

  • Characters have achieved significant recognition and are respected across the city.
  • High net worth, powerful social connections, and a trail of exceptional achievements.
  • Take on challenging missions with significant impact on the world and factions.
  • Benefits:
    • Gain access to influential social circles and top-tier corporate executives.
    • Eligible for exclusive missions and operations with city-wide impact.
    • Receive significant sponsorship stipends and financial backing.

Level 7: Eminent

  • Characters are among the elite and command great influence.
  • Substantial net worth, connections with the most influential figures, and an unparalleled record of success.
  • Lead major faction operations and affect city-wide events.
  • Benefits:
    • Invitations to major faction gatherings and top-level corporate functions.
    • Gain access to highly advanced and rare gear, weapons, and augmentations.
    • Eligible for special licenses to use restricted technologies and tools.

Level 8: Illustrious

  • Characters are legendary and leave a lasting legacy.
  • Vast net worth, connections with top-level corporate executives, and a history of world-altering accomplishments.
  • Lead city-wide movements and become a key player in shaping the city’s future.
  • Benefits:
    • Become a city-wide icon and wield significant influence over faction politics and corporate decisions.
    • Receive substantial financial backing and sponsorship from major corporations.
    • Invitations to high-profile events and meetings with top-tier executives and politicians.

Level 9: Iconic

  • Characters are icons, shaping the city’s destiny and revered by all.
  • Immense net worth, connections with the most powerful entities, and a history of world-shattering achievements.
  • The city’s fate lies in their hands, and their actions have consequences on a global scale.
  • Benefits:
    • Become a living legend and shape the destiny of the entire city and beyond.
    • Gain access to the most exclusive and cutting-edge technologies and resources.
    • Eligible for special privileges, exemptions, and benefits from the city’s governing bodies.

Advancing through the Effectiveness Scoring System requires players to achieve certain checkpoints such as increasing their net worth, accomplishing campaign goals or missions, gaining social standing, and avoiding getting caught for illegal acts. The system provides a sense of progression and allows players to see the impact of their character’s success in the dynamic world of The Retrospectre. However, it also emphasizes that certain high-stakes actions can overshadow other achievements, reflecting the complexities and trade-offs that come with success and influence in a morally gray and corrupt society.

Experience Rule Set: Advancing in the World

In this game system, characters gain experience points (XP) by successfully navigating the high-tech world of the Retrospectre, accomplishing objectives, and overcoming challenges. Experience points are essential for character advancement, allowing players to enhance their skills, unlock new abilities, and become more proficient in the digital realm. The experience rule set consists of the following elements:

  1. XP Accumulation:
    • Players earn experience points by actively participating in the game, completing missions, solving problems, and succeeding in various tasks.
    • The Game Master (GM) awards XP based on the complexity and difficulty of the challenges the characters face.
  2. Mission Completion:
    • Completing missions and accomplishing significant story objectives grants a fixed amount of experience points to the entire party.
    • The GM determines the XP reward based on the mission’s level of difficulty and the overall impact on the narrative.
  3. Role-Playing and Creativity:
    • Players who actively engage in role-playing, embodying their characters’ personalities, and contributing creatively to the story can earn bonus XP.
    • The GM may award bonus experience points for excellent role-playing or innovative problem-solving.
  4. Hacking and Technological Exploits:
    • Characters who excel in hacking, deciphering complex systems, or successfully infiltrating secure networks gain XP related to their technological prowess.
    • The GM rewards XP for successful hacking attempts, bypassing security measures, or acquiring valuable digital assets.
  5. Teamwork and Cooperation:
    • Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among players can lead to XP rewards.
    • The GM may grant bonus XP when characters combine their unique skills and abilities effectively to achieve common goals.
  6. In-Game Achievements:
    • Players can earn XP for achieving in-game milestones, such as uncovering hidden secrets, surviving dire situations, or mastering new technologies.
    • The GM sets XP rewards for specific achievements, motivating players to explore the game’s world thoroughly.
  7. Character Growth and Advancement:
    • Accumulated experience points are used to improve characters’ skills, unlock new abilities, and gain access to advanced equipment or cybernetic enhancements.
    • Players spend XP to increase attributes, acquire specialized knowledge, and enhance their digital combat capabilities.
  8. Leveling Up:
    • Upon reaching specific XP thresholds, characters level up, becoming more skilled and powerful in the binary world.
    • The GM determines the XP required to level up and facilitates the process during game sessions.
  9. Narrative-Based Rewards:
    • Besides mechanical advancements, players may also receive narrative-based rewards, such as allies, favors, or access to exclusive information, based on their characters’ actions and achievements.

The experience rule set reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the tech-noir world. By rewarding players for a combination of strategic thinking, technical expertise, creativity, and immersive role-playing, the game system creates an engaging and thrilling experience that keeps players invested in the ever-evolving virtual battleground.