Pillars of play

Saṃsāra has four different time speeds. Two of which are alike (as in can be mixed) but do different things.

1. Combat – Fast pace. Time seems to slow down as the adrenaline flows quickly. This is normally in initiative order of 6 seconds per turn.
2. Exploration – Normal time pace. Scouting, investigating, searching, casual spell casting, preparing, or avoiding notice. Can be declared “in order” to move through a piece of story like a turn. This is the narrative portion of the story.
3. Social encounters — Normal time pace. Interaction between players, or Non-Player Characters (NPC).
4. Down time activities – Slow pace. This is normally done away from the tabletop. Only discussion of what will be done or what was done is talked about at the tabletop.

To provide a more conventional framework for gameplay focus, there are three broader Pillars of Play that align with the game’s evident themes and mechanics:

1. Exploration & Discovery: Driven by the West Marches style, players will venture into the diverse and potentially hazardous environs of Saṃsāra’s 73 island nations and beyond. The primary impetus is to uncover lost secrets, chart unknown territories, identify valuable resources, and confront the unique challenges and inhabitants of these locales.
2. GEAR Acquisition & Customization: This is the central pillar, reflecting the game’s core principle. Players will constantly seek out new GEAR, whether by discovery, looting, crafting, or trade. Understanding the properties of different items, synergizing their effects, and customizing an Avatar’s loadout to overcome specific obstacles or fulfill desired roles is paramount.
3. Avatar Development & Narrative: While power comes from GEAR, Avatars are not static. Through training, players enhance their Avatar’s proficiency with various skills. Through actions and achievements, they accumulate Renown and may earn Titles, reflecting their growing influence and story within Saṃsāra. The narrative of the character’s soul, its memories, and its journey through successive Avatars also contributes to this pillar.