Progression Concept
Characters start as commoners and then need to rise up to their tasks, proof themselves and learn and earn. Instead of long waiting times between levels and then all progression in one single step Brink utilizes continuous smaller increments of progression by breaking down the traditional leveling system.
Milestone Leveling and XP
Instead of using experience points (XP) to determine when a character levels up with milestone leveling the DM uses achievements within the story to level up characters. The story drives the progression such that if significant goals in a campaign are accomplished the DM may decide to award a level.
When a character reaches a new level the class features, proficiency bonus increases, spell slots, spells etc. (collectively called ‘skills’ hereafter) associated with the level are unlocked. Then XP is used to individually learn unlocked skills. Players may freely choose how and when to spend XP to learn unlocked skills but the learning of new skills shall be reflected in the story through learning experiences, education or dedicated studying. Newly learned skills become available after a long rest. Players may decide to either learn or to forego certain skills as they please. XP may be saved through gaming sessions and levels. Skills of lower levels may be learned at later levels.
XP is awarded for great role play and activities that propel the story forward such as finding clues, problem solving, overcoming obstacles and risks, momentous social interactions, research, clever ideas, navigating difficult terrain, creative solutions (e.g. bypassing or defeating without killing an encounter), accomplishing objectives or completing quests but not for killing in combat encounters. Exceptional individual role play or contributions can be rewarded with XP. XP is not awarded for good dice rolls or results thereof.
Depending on the level learning an unlocked skill costs an amount of XP listed in the following table. Ability score increases and feats cost twice the amount listed. The XP costs correspond to the three progression stages described below.
| Level | XP Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 200 |
| 3 | 300 |
| 4 | 400 |
| 5 | 500 |
| 6 | 600 |
| 7 | 1000 |
| 8 | 2500 |
| 9 | 5000 |
| 10 | 7500 |
| 11 | 10000 |
| 12 | 12500 |
| 13 | 15000 |
| 14 | 20000 |
| 15 | 25000 |
| 16 | 30000 |
| 17 | 35000 |
| 18 | 40000 |
| 19 | 45000 |
| 20 | 50000 |
Progression Stages
First Stage
The First Stage is the realm of adventurers and try-hards. Most commoners never reach this stage as it is hard. In this stage skills of levels 1 to 6 and spells of levels 1 to 3 become available. Progression is moderate.
Starting with level 6 characters of may learn to specialize within their class by choosing a subclass and to choose feats instead of ability score increases. Characters of level 6 or higher may ignore the battered condition. Characters in the First Stage might uncover secret ways to command strange mysteries under certain circumstances within the story.
Second Stage
The Second Stage is the realm of fanatics and weirdos. Most adventurers never reach this stage as it is very hard and requires sacrifices. In this stage skills from levels 7 to 13 and spells of levels 4 to 7 become available. Progression is slow.
Starting with level 13 characters may learn to branch out from their class by multi-classing into one other class. Characters of level 13 or higher may ignore the bruised condition. Characters in the Second Stage might uncover secret ways to command miraculous mysteries under certain circumstances within the story.
Third Stage
The Third Stage is the realm of maniacs. Most fanatics never reach this stage as it is extremely hard and requires a lot of sacrifices. In this stage skills from levels 14 to 20 and spells of levels 8 and 9 become available. Progression is very slow.
Starting with level 17 characters may multi-class into another class. Characters of level 17 may ignore the bloodied condition. Characters in the Third Stage might uncover secret ways to command impossible mysteries under certain circumstances within the story.
Stage Transitions
Stage transitions are not achieved by mere deeds of heroism and acts of bravery. Transitioning to the next stage is challenging as a character has reached their maximum capabilities. Going above and beyond one’s capabilities requires to have some sort of enlightenment, revelation or epiphany. Characters will have to go through a character altering transformation, suffering and sacrifice along with other events to reach another stage. Stage transitions have a deep impact on the character motivations, goals, self-image and behavior. By no means it can be expected that transitions just happen but rather they pose a huge, constant struggle to overcome the character’s mental and physical boundaries. For most this redefinition of oneself is impossible.
Hit Points
On level up player characters gain the listed fix hit points.
Proficiency Bonus
The proficiency bonus for level 13 is +4.