TIDAL BLADES RPG

The Resonance Engine: Complete Action & Resource System
"The tide does not wait for the hesitant. It rewards those who spend their spirit wisely."
— Ancient Naviri Proverb

THE FOUR PILLARS: Resource Management

In the world of Naviri, your power flows through four distinct channels. Each action you take draws from these wells, and each success replenishes them.

SPIRIT
The Inner Tide - Your connection to the Fold, powering magical abilities, Forge rituals, and willpower.

Spending Spirit Changes:

  • 2 Spirit Forge Enhancement: Add +3 to any Omni-Forge roll
    1d20 + Spirit → 1d20 + Spirit +3
  • 1 Spirit Willpower Surge: Reroll a failed d20 check
  • 3 Spirit Elemental Infusion: Add +1d6 elemental damage
    Damage +1d6
SYNERGY
The Squad's Rhythm - Coordination, teamwork, and combined effort.

Spending Synergy Changes:

  • 1 Synergy Assist Ally: Give +2 to an ally's next check
    Ally: 1d20 → 1d20 +2
  • 2 Synergy Coordinated Strike: You and ally both gain +1d4 damage
  • 3 Synergy Raid Boost: Give +5 to TWO allies (Raid only)
FOCUS
The Hunter's Eye - Precision, tactical insight, and deadly accuracy.

Spending Focus Changes:

  • 1 Focus Precise Aim: Attack with Advantage
    1d20 → 2d20 (keep highest)
  • 2 Focus Critical Analysis: Natural 19 counts as critical
  • 3 Focus Ignore Armor: Next attack bypasses target's Armor
RESILIENCE
The Ocean's Endurance - Physical health, damage resistance, and recovery.

Spending Resilience Changes:

  • 1 Resilience Shrug It Off: Reduce incoming damage by 3
    Damage -3
  • 2 Resilience Second Wind: Heal 1d6 + Tier HP
  • 3 Resilience Forge Recovery: Reroll failed d100 Forge check

The Core Mechanic: Resource-Enhanced Rolls

Every action starts with a d20, then adds your pool bonuses:

Basic Attack

1d20 + Accuracy + Species Bonus

No resource cost

→

Enhanced Attack

1 Focus + 2 Spirit
2d20 (keep highest) + Accuracy
+ Species Bonus + 1d6 elemental

Cost: 1 Focus, 2 Spirit

THE ACTION CYCLE

Resources flow in a continuous cycle: Spend in combat → Recover through rest → Earn through social bonds.

Action Type Standard Effect Resource Enhancement Success Improvement
Standard Attack 1d20 + Accuracy vs Evasion 1 Focus for Advantage +3.325 average to hit
+9.75% crit chance
Omni-Forge 1d20 + Spirit + Species 2 Spirit for +3 +15% success chance
+30% Overclock chance
Healing (Berries) Heal 1d6 to one target 1 Synergy for double target 2x healing output
or +3.5 average heal
Defensive Stance +2 Armor next turn 1 Resilience for +3 +50% damage reduction

TIER 1: Awakening

Base Weapon: 2 damage
Unlocks basic resource use

TIER 2: Veteran

Base Weapon: 3 damage
Enhanced resource effects

TIER 3: Legend

Base Weapon: 4 damage
Unique Awakened Abilities

SPECIES & COMBAT BONUSES

Your biological heritage shapes how you spend resources in battle.

KELP-KIN
Evasion Specialist
SHELL-BACK
Armor Specialist
REEF-STRIDER
Accuracy Specialist
GLIMMER-BORN
Damage Specialist

Omni-Forge: Resource Investment

Basic Forge (Kelp-Kin)

1d20 + Spirit(5) + Kelp-Kin(+2)
= 1d20 + 7

Success: 5-15 (55%)
Overclock: 16+ (25%)

→

Enhanced Forge

2 Spirit for +3
1 Focus for Advantage
= 2d20 (keep highest) + 10

Success: ~85%
Overclock: ~45%

GM ENGINE: ENCOUNTER SCALING

The Fold adapts to your squad's resource expenditure.

SMALL SQUAD (1-3)

5 Swarm Units (1 HP)
15 HP Elite
50 HP Boss
1 Boss Action

Expected Resource Drain: 15-25%

MEDIUM SQUAD (4-6)

15 Swarm Units (1 HP)
35 HP Elite
125 HP Boss
2 Boss Actions

Expected Resource Drain: 25-40%

RAID SQUAD (7-8)

40 Swarm Units (1 HP)
75 HP Elite (Armor 2)
300 HP Boss (Armor 4)
4 Boss Actions

Expected Resource Drain: 40-60%

Raid Boss Special Abilities (Resource Drain)